Edward Farrell Antique Gilt Silver Shaving Cup and Associated Brush, London, 1814/15

Silver by Edward Farrell is very rare. Match that with a form as uncommon as a shaving beaker, and you have quite an intriguing object/ gift. The vessel is made of heavy gauge silver and beautifully designed. The band at the top is a wonderful design of scrolling classical arabesques set against a stippled background. The mid-section is a lovely engine-turned design and has an applied circular disc engraved with a lion in a shield above a 'PJS' monogram (most likely added later). The lower section of the beaker is executed with vertical pointed (almost gothic) architectural elements. The wide, pedestal base is decorated with circular foliate designs. This stunning object is covered all over with beautiful gilding. Its size and shape would accommodate many uses besides shaving in style!

This exceptional beaker is fully hallmarked. It measures 3.5 inches in diameter by 4.25 inches tall, weighs 11.05 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with light wear to the gilding.

The traveling shaving brush is made of beaver hair fitted into an engine-turned cap which is stored inside an engine-turned cylinder. It has a removable cover with an applied disc engraved as the beaker. The brush, when removed, can be screwed into the end of the cylinder which acts as a longer handle. The pieces of the brush are also gilt and hallmarked for Charles Rawlings, London, 1825/26. It is in excellent antique condition with some wear to the gilding.