Featured Unintended Purchase: 1858 Silver Christening Mug

Bought this as an impulse buy today. Mid-Victorian christening mug. I'm having buyers' remorse, a bit. I feel I should've spent my money a bit more wisely...but this was the largest and the one in best condition (and, I believe, the oldest that was there). And it was a thick discount. Fully 1/3 off the price.



Engraving:

"From Uncle & Aunt Willie. March 13th. 1866"



Hallmarks:

M.H. & Co. = Martin, Hall & Company.
CROWN = Sheffield.
LION PASSANT = Sterling Silver.
Queen Vicky = Tax paid on silver.
P = 1858.

Also:

"MANOAH RHODES"
"BRADFORD"

Manoah Rhodes was a silversmith based in Bradford. Exactly what connection he had with this mug, I'm not sure. But it's very nice.

Although I feel a bit guilty about blowing my budget all on one thing...

1. It was the largest of the half-dozen or more that were on-offer. The others were, in some cases, much, much smaller. This at least is something you could drink out of if you wanted to.
2. It was the best condition. (One was bent, one had the handle broken off. Some wouldn't sit straight).
3. It was the oldest, I believe.
4. It was heavily discounted.

...so I don't feel *too* bad about it.

 

Well, just in case guilt overwhelms you, I'll happily email you my address!

 

Oh, me too!

 

What a graceful and charming piece. I covet.....................

 

Sorry folks. I'm gradually getting over my guilt. Although I won't be buying another piece of silver (or at least, not one THIS expensive) for a while!!

 

In case you're interested in a bit of history - Manoah Rhodes, silversmith of Bradford, Yorkshire, was born in 1810 in Morley to Joseph and Grace Rhodes. Married Ann Watson in 1836 at Batley. Found in the 1841, '51 and '61 Census records as a silversmith in Bradford - in '51 an enmuerator's note indicates he employed 5 men. By '61 2 of his sons were working with him in the family business and he had added "jeweller" to his occupation. He died in March 1881 at Bradford. His estate was worth about 12,000 pounds, which I assume made him rather well off.

I would suggest that his business was well enough regarded in the area, that he was able to add his name to the items made elsewhere but sold from his shop (as do many local US "jewelers" did in that time frame.)

 

Perhaps he did the engraving. Nice looking piece.

 

You only truly regret the things that you did not buy!!!
Peggy

 

Im with Peggy ! There are still things from years ago I regret passing up !

 

Now, here's a funny thing. A few years back, I bought at auction a christening mug with the original baby's name on it. Cost me about forty five dollars US. I bought it because it was Exeter silver which is rare. Anyhow. Himself idly googled and found a direct descendant of the baby living in New Zealand. I contacted them, they bought it. For about four times that amount.

 

Ah...Possibly. Although I think Baker's idea that he was the retailer might also be plausible.

Don't you DARE say that!! I've been there far too many times already! You're gonna give me nightmares!

 

OBB - That was both very sweet, but also rather mean. I'm not sure whether I like you more, or less, for that. But it was still a nice gesture.

 

Eh?

 

Never mind. I was only joking. We all have to make a profit on something.

 

emoticons would help convey a clearer message...........

 

I know. I forgot to throw them in. My bad.