What is the history of the silver cow creamer?

Introduced to England during the eighteenth century, silver cow creamers were popularised by Dutch-born silversmith John Schuppe during the Georgian era. These novelty items were designed to serve cream at the dining table, with liquid poured in through an opening on the back and dispensed through the cows mouth.

What materials and methods were used to construct Georgian silver creamers?

Georgian cow creamers were crafted from high-grade sterling silver using casting and hand-chasing techniques. Features like the head, legs, and tail were often cast separately and soldered to the raised main body, followed by detailed hand-engraving to replicate hide texture and floral motifs.

How do you identify authentic Georgian silver cow creamers?

Authentic period examples feature British hallmark stamps, typically located on the underside of the belly or along the rim of the back lid. These marks include the lion passant for sterling purity, a makers mark, a town mark, a date letter, and occasionally a monarchs duty mark.

How can a silver cow creamer be styled in a modern interior?

A sterling silver cow creamer works as a conversation piece placed on a dining room sideboard, displayed inside a glass china cabinet, or arranged alongside contemporary silverware on a breakfast tray.

How should antique sterling silver tableware be cleaned and preserved?

Maintain silver by dusting with a non-abrasive microfibre cloth and applying specialized silver polish sparingly to remove oxidisation. Avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive pads that can erode fine surface chasing and historical patina.

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George III Silver Creamer

Georgian Silver Silverware

Antique Sterling Silver Creamer

Georgian Sterling Silver Creamer

Id #SA1140910

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Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

Name: Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1140910
Price: 6950 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by AC Silver

Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique George III English sterling silver cow creamer made by John Schuppe; an addition to our Georgian silverware collection.

This exceptional antique Georgian silver creamer, in sterling standard, has been realistically modelled in the form of a cow.

The body of this antique silver creamer is embellished with details reproducing the fine definition of the cow's facial and anatomical features.

The surface of the cow is further ornamented with engraved decoration replicating the hair on the cow's hide; typically examples are plain and unembellished, the engraved decoration is a fine and rare feature.

The jug is fitted with a hinged cover ornamented with floral decoration to the shaped rim and surmounted with an impressive applied finial realistically modelled in the form of a fly.

This impressive Georgian silver cow creamer is fitted with a loop handle, modelled in the form of the cow's tail.

This exceptional sterling silver cow creamer was crafted by the renowned silversmith John Schuppe; a silver cow creamer by this Dutch silversmith, active in London from 1753 to 1773, is a rare and whimsical example of 18th-century English silver, distinguished by its cow form with a classic tail-handle, hinged lid and fly finial.

Such original antique examples incorporating the added feature of the engraved hair, are becoming increasingly difficult to locate; this is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire; this is a very desirable and collectable example.

John Schuppe cow creamers are prized by collectors and make distinguished gifts for milestone birthdays, anniversaries or retirements - offering rarity, charm and historical significance to mark special occasions.

Condition

This antique silver cow creamer is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.

The cast ornamentation is all very sharp and the engraved decoration is very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body are very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

The maker's mark to the underside is not deeply struck due to the rounded surface, but remains partially legible.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of Georgian silverware.

Dimensions

Length from back of tail to nose 14.5cm/5.71'

Width 4cm/1.57'

Height 9.9cm/3.9'

Weight

4.5 troy ounces/139.3g

Date: 1762

Maker: John Schuppe

Origin: London, England

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

9.9cm (3.90")

Width

4cm (1.57")

Depth

14.5cm (5.71")

Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Sterling Silver Cow Creamer to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1140910

Dealers Internal Reference

C9236

Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description

An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique George III English sterling silver cow creamer made by John Schuppe; an addition to our Georgian silverware collection.

“

This exceptional antique Georgian silver creamer, in sterling standard, has been realistically modelled in the form of a cow.

AC Silver

fig 1. An antique sterling silver cow creamer featuring textured hide detailing, a looped tail handle, and a floral hinged lid on its back. — fig 1. Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

The body of this antique silver creamer is embellished with details reproducing the fine definition of the cow's facial and anatomical features.

The surface of the cow is further ornamented with engraved decoration replicating the hair on the cow's hide; typically examples are plain and unembellished, the engraved decoration is a fine and rare feature.

fig 2. An antique sterling silver cow creamer featuring textured hide detailing, a looped tail handle, and a floral hinged lid on its back. — fig 2. Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

The jug is fitted with a hinged cover ornamented with floral decoration to the shaped rim and surmounted with an impressive applied finial realistically modelled in the form of a fly.

This impressive Georgian silver cow creamer is fitted with a loop handle, modelled in the form of the cow's tail.

fig 3. An antique sterling silver cow creamer featuring textured hide detailing, a looped tail handle, and a floral hinged lid on its back. — fig 3. Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

This exceptional sterling silver cow creamer was crafted by the renowned silversmith John Schuppe; a silver cow creamer by this Dutch silversmith, active in London from 1753 to 1773, is a rare and whimsical example of 18th-century English silver, distinguished by its cow form with a classic tail-handle, hinged lid and fly finial.

fig 4. An antique sterling silver cow creamer featuring textured hide detailing, a looped tail handle, and a floral hinged lid on its back. — fig 4. Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

Such original antique examples incorporating the added feature of the engraved hair, are becoming increasingly difficult to locate; this is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire; this is a very desirable and collectable example.

fig 5. An antique sterling silver cow creamer featuring textured hide detailing, a looped tail handle, and a floral hinged lid on its back. — fig 5. Antique George III Sterling Silver Cow Creamer

John Schuppe cow creamers are prized by collectors and make distinguished gifts for milestone birthdays, anniversaries or retirements - offering rarity, charm and historical significance to mark special occasions.