Christening Cup
1868-1869 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Gifts of silver were often given to mark rites of passage, such as marriage, retirement or christening. The custom of a christening gift may have begun in the Tudor period (1485-1603). Silver spoons were a popular present, hence the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth'. In 1661 the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) gave a set of silver spoons as a christening gift to a child in his family. Cups and porringers (small, two-handled bowls) could also be given as christening presents.
Time
By the 19th century the standard gift for a christening was a set of cutlery, a cup or a mug. Manufacturers' catalogues from the later part of the century show boxed sets of cutlery with a cup, mug or egg cup. These could cost over £12 depending on the number of pieces and the richness of the decoration.
Manufacturer
Barnard & Sons was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in London in the 19th century. They supplied retailers throughout England with good-quality silver and also exported to such countries as America and India.
Gifts of silver were often given to mark rites of passage, such as marriage, retirement or christening. The custom of a christening gift may have begun in the Tudor period (1485-1603). Silver spoons were a popular present, hence the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth'. In 1661 the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) gave a set of silver spoons as a christening gift to a child in his family. Cups and porringers (small, two-handled bowls) could also be given as christening presents.
Time
By the 19th century the standard gift for a christening was a set of cutlery, a cup or a mug. Manufacturers' catalogues from the later part of the century show boxed sets of cutlery with a cup, mug or egg cup. These could cost over £12 depending on the number of pieces and the richness of the decoration.
Manufacturer
Barnard & Sons was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in London in the 19th century. They supplied retailers throughout England with good-quality silver and also exported to such countries as America and India.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver gilt, beaded and engraved |
| Brief description | Christening cup, silver-gilt, London hallmarks for 1868-69, mark of Barnard & Sons. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed: 'Nesta Mary Platt from her GODFATHER' |
| Gallery label |
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| Object history | Made by Barnard & Sons, London |
| Summary | Object Type Gifts of silver were often given to mark rites of passage, such as marriage, retirement or christening. The custom of a christening gift may have begun in the Tudor period (1485-1603). Silver spoons were a popular present, hence the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth'. In 1661 the diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) gave a set of silver spoons as a christening gift to a child in his family. Cups and porringers (small, two-handled bowls) could also be given as christening presents. Time By the 19th century the standard gift for a christening was a set of cutlery, a cup or a mug. Manufacturers' catalogues from the later part of the century show boxed sets of cutlery with a cup, mug or egg cup. These could cost over £12 depending on the number of pieces and the richness of the decoration. Manufacturer Barnard & Sons was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in London in the 19th century. They supplied retailers throughout England with good-quality silver and also exported to such countries as America and India. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.97-1984 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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