George II Sterling Silver Mug by John Payne, London, c. 1758/09

This is a beautiful example of a Georgian mug. The baluster form body with molded rim has a nice cast and applied spreading foot. The double scroll handle is wonderfully cast with a scrolling thumb rest. On the front of the mug is a beautifully engraved 'WMC' monogram, finely executed in a foliate script. The underside of the base is later inscribed 'J.H. to Mary C. Shannon, 1849' and 'M.S.W., 1901'.

John Payne was a successful and highly respected maker who ultimately became the Prime Warden of the Goldsmith's Company in 1765.

Underneath the body it is fully hallmarked with the leopard's head crowned, lion passant, date letter 'C' for 1758/9 and makers mark 'J.P'. Measuring 5 inches high by 5.5 inches wide across the handle, this piece weighs 14.10 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition retaining its beautiful original surface.