A very rare 17th century silver mug that may not left the county of Norfolk since it was made over 300 years ago will cross the border to Cambridgeshire to sell at Cheffins later this month.
From an outstanding private collection of silver that comes to auction from Norfolk for the first time, the Charles II silver child’s mug has been given an estimate of £2,000-£4,000 in Cheffins’ jewellery, silver, watches and wine sale on Thursday 12th December.
The dainty mug, made around 1680 by silversmith Thomas Havers, bears the hallmark of the Norwich assay office which will greatly increase interest given the rarity of silver that comes on the market from that town.
Norwich was once home to one of many English provincial assay offices whose job was the independent testing and marking of precious metal items before being offered for sale. There are now just four assay offices left in Britain: in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Sheffield.
Although silversmiths were working in Norwich since the 12th century, the first hallmarks there were recorded in 1565. In 1706 the office closed and ceased marking and, as such, there are few items of silver in preservation bearing the mark.
Steven Collins, head of jewellery, silver and watches at Cheffins Fine Art, said: “The Norwich hallmark on this mug will make it extremely interesting to collectors and, indeed, to museums worldwide. I’m expecting it to attract a great deal of interest”
The Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Wine Sale, nicknamed this year ‘Clarets & Carats’, starts at 10.00am and the full catalogue can be found on the Cheffins’ website.
Viewing of the items in the sale starts on Monday 9th December from 10.00am to 5.00pm, and continues on Tuesday 10th December from 10.00am to 5.00pm and Wednesday 11th December from 10.00am to 6.00pm.