An exceptional George III Barrel Beer Tankard made in London in 1778 by Robert Makepeace I & Richard Carter
An exceptional George III Barrel Beer Tankard made in London in 1778 by Robert Makepeace I & Richard Carter
374776
The Tankard is modelled to simulate a beer barrel with slightly tapering sides engraved with vertical lines to simulate the staves of the barrel. The raised reeded bands are modelled as the horizontal iron hoops which keep a barrel together. The hinged cover comes to a point at the front and displays a bright cut edge and a cast chair back thumb piece. The front of the main body is engraved with a set of contemporary script initials and this piece has a plain scroll handle. Most unusually, however, is that the handle and cover are beautifully engraved with barley ears and hops, executed to the finest standard, firmly indicating the use of the tankard. This piece is fully marked on the underside of the base and the cover and is in excellent condition. This example is also of an outstanding weight. Makepeace and Carter were very fine silversmiths, however their partnership was short lived, only lasting from 20th January, 1777 until 9th December, 1778. They had workshops in Bartholomew Close when this piece was made.
Height, to the top of the thumbpiece: 7.8 inches, 19.5 cm.
Base Diameter: 4.45 inches, 11.13 cm.
Weight: 30oz.
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