London (1623), maker's mark an "F" within a shield (possibly that of Thomas Flynt), lion passant to underside of foot, the cup standing on a baluster stem with cast foliate disc and three cast and applied scroll brackets, the bowl with embossed acanthus leaves to base and engraved strapwork below rim, the domed cover with embossed and engraved decoration and surmounted by a tall cast "steeple" finial, the cover engraved "AMICO SVO Wm LONGE Gus HOCKMORE SALVTEM 1633," monogrammed "SH" to bowl, hallmarks below rim of cup.

For this lot, payment accepted only by wire transfer.

16.5 in.

18 troy oz.

Single Owner Collection

A uniquely English silver type, the steeple cup and cover was intended as a secular object to convey the wealth and importance of its owner. The cover of each cup was surmounted by a towering pyramidal form referencing popular architectural ornaments of the 16th and 17th centuries. The present lot relates closely in form and decoration to a pair of steeple cups and covers, dating to 1626, in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland (A.1951.161 and A.1951.161A).

Dent to rim of bowl; small dent to foot; light scratching.