R & W Wilson Antique Coin Silver Shaving Mug, Philadelphia, PA, 1825-46

Early American coin silver shaving mugs are a very rare form and this is a lovely example by the wonderful firm of R. & W. Wilson from Philadelphia. The tankard body, used for heating water over a flame, has an applied rectangular holder that would have held a straight razor. A round hole on the body of the tankard covered by the holder allows for the razor to also be heated and rinsed.

The foot is comprised of an applied, decorative foliage base. This banding is inverted and applied around the top rim of the tankard and holder. The scroll handle is ornamented with leaves at its base and at the top with a raised thumb-piece. Engraved on the front of the tankard is a script 'CO' monogram. 

The removable, domed cover is repousséd with a branch and foliage upon which a bird rests.

This rare antique is marked underneath twice "R & W WILSON/ P. It measures 5.75 inches high, weighs 10.45 troy ounces, and is in very good antique condition.