English Coconut Cup

This intriguing sterling silver cup features the shell of a coconut mounted into exquisite silver. A sublime example of elegant Georgian design, the cup features delicate scalloped edging as its singular motif. It is extraordinary to find such a beautiful example of this lost art, exhibiting a rare combination of classical beauty and exotic charm. The use of rare and exotic materials such as the coconut became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that these unique materials from distant lands possessed mystical powers. It was held that they could detect, and even deter, the effects of poison and as such were employed as drinking vessels, often mounted with ornate embellishments of silver. As more trade routes opened up during the 16th century, materials such as the coconut became more widely available, though still only afforded to the wealthy minority in Europe and England. And, while they eventually lost their appeal for their magical powers, coconuts proved an ideal material for cups and pots and retained their popularity as such. Very similar silver-mounted coconut cups...

This extraordinary pair of silver gilt tazze was crafted by the famed partnership of Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith. The tazze are exemplary of the superior work produced by Scott an...

A fine and impressive antique English sterling silver mounted coconut cup; an addition to our diverse silverware collection. This impressive antique sterling silver mounted coconut cup has a circular rounded form onto a circular pedestal foot. The upper portion of this antique coconut cup...

An exquisite 19th century Coromandle canteen service by Walker & Hall. Of rectangular form fitted with recessed brass side handles, and twin panel doors enclosing a fitted interior with four shallow drawers retaining a Hanoverian rat-tail service comprising: 18 dessert forks, 4 knife rests, 18 table forks, 22 teaspoons, 2 egg spoons, a sugar spoon and butter knife, 18 dessert spoons, 3 salt spoons, 3 pickle forks, bone handle table knives and carving set, a soup ladle, 2 serving spoons, 2 fish carvers, 12 tablespoons, sugar nips and sauce ladles. Circa 1870 English Key is present and lock is in working order Measures: H: 12 1/4 in / 31 cm ; W: 21 1/2 in / 55 cm ; D: 16 3/4 in / 42.5 cm Footnote: The business was established in Sheffield in 1845 by George Walker...