Queen Anne Period – Britannia Silver .958 – English Tankard – dated 1704

A very simple early 18th century English silver tankard from the Queen Period – dated 1704.   From 1697, the sterling standard (.925) was replaced with the Britannia standard (.958) by an act of English parliament to limit the melting of sterling silver coins.

Simple banding on the rim, body and base add a touch of elegance to this lovely tankard.   English hallmarks on the side which date the piece for 1704.  A maker’s mark is present (partially rubbed) but the maker is unknown to me.

A family crest is engraved on the front.

Britannia silver is considerably softer than sterling, and after complaints from the trade, sterling silver was again authorized for use by silversmiths from 1 June 1720, and thereafter Britannia silver has remained an optional standard for hallmarking in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Measures:  5 inches high x 6 1/4 inches wide (including handle)
Weight: 388 grams