Silver and Coconut Shell Goblet c1800

Description

Heading : Silver and Coconut Shell Goblet
Date : 1770-1820
Period : George III
Origin : Almost certainly Scottish provincial
Decoration : Coconut cup with silver contoured silver rim. Silver stem with anular decoration and cover on the coconut shell base. Silver foot rim
Size :  18.0cm height, 10.0cm diameter bowl, 8.6cm diameter foot
Condition : Scattered dings and scratches on the silver rim and foot rim. The streaks on the suface of the nut are within the shell, these are not scratches. It does leak
Restoration : None
Weight :  282 grams

The most decorative example we have seen thus far. Hanaps cups with ornateley carved wooden bowls and covers were popular in England in the 15th century. They saw a revival of interest in the late 18th century when it was believed that the coconut itself would soak up impurities or indeed poisons in wines. The Bargello Museum in Florence has two early coconut cups made for drinking chocolate!

This is not hallmarked, however it does test as 925 silver. This was typical of many provincial silver makers particularly those in the Scottish provinces