What is the historical significance of Victorian silver-plated mugs?

During the Victorian era, silver-plated drinking mugs and tankards were frequently commissioned as commemorative gifts, presentation pieces, or christening tokens. Advances in electroplating during the 1830s allowed detailed relief embossing and intricate chasing to become widely accessible beyond solid sterling silver.

How were Victorian embossed silver-plated tankards constructed?

These items typically feature a base metal core, such as nickel silver or copper, coated with a layer of pure silver through electroplating or fused plate techniques. Decorative elements were achieved through repousse work, chasing, or casting, with handles often hand-soldered to the main vessel.

How can one identify an authentic early Victorian silver-plated mug?

Authentic pieces generally display maker marks, town marks, or capacity stamps such as a pint designation near the rim. Look for evidence of hand-engraving, crisp relief detail around motifs like grapevines or classical figures, and signs of wear along high points revealing the underlying base metal.

How can an antique silver-plated mug be styled in modern interiors?

An antique silver tankard serves as a refined vessel for displaying dried floral arrangements or small utility items on a sideboard, bookshelf, or desk. Displayed alongside glass or dark timber, the metallic texture adds historical contrast to modern decor.

What is the correct method to care for antique silver plate?

Clean gently using a soft cloth and a specialised silver polish formulated for plated metal to prevent excessive wear on the silver layer. Avoid abrasive cleaners or dishwashers, and store in a dry location to minimise oxidisation and tarnishing.

for sale €439 $476

£375

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Silver Plated Beer Mug

Antique Metal Drinkware

Id #SA1222467

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Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

Name: Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1222467
Price: 375 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This is a delightful antique early Victorian English silver plated engraved and embossed mug bearing the makers mark of G. R Collis & Co Church Street Birmingham, circa 1830 in date.

The highly decorated mug with cherubs and a lion in relief has a grape vine handle with leaves and grapes, and is marked Pint on the rim.

The quality and craftsmanship throughout is truly second to none.

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 15 cm x Width 15 cm x Depth 10 cm

Dimensions in inches:Height 6 inches x Width 6 inches x Depth 4 inches

George Richmond Collis

Manufacturers of articles in gold, silver, bronze, electro-plate and crystallized bases of metals. George Richmond Collis purchased the business from Sir Edward Thomason (c.1769-1849) when Thomason retired in 1835. Originally based at Church Street, Birmingham; in 1854 a branch was opened at 130 Regent Street, London. There was also a branch at Langham Place, Regent Street (c.1847).

A trade card has extensive text: "George Richmond Collis & Co. Late Sir Edward Thomason, Birmingham, Manufacturer of Articles in the Highest Classes of the Arts, in Gold, Silver, Plated, Bronze and Mr. G.R. Colins is Consul for Turkey & Vice Consul for France, Russia, Prussia, Portugal, Norway, &c. with the privilege of granting Passports to Persons visiting France & its Dominions. Strangers of Respectabilty {sic} are Permitted to View the Show Rooms & Manufactory."

The premises in Regent Street were taken over in 1888 by John Bodman Carrington (Carrington & Co). 31 December 1888 Collis & Co disappeared as a separate concern and was absorbed by S.W. Smith & Co.However, it was from the Regent Street shop that Lord Stanley purchased the Stanley Cup in 1892, by which time it was Carrington & Co.Grace's Guide has a brief bio of G. R. Collis (c.1810-1881), which has him living at Stourton Castle in1871.

Source: British Museum, Science Museum, Silver Collection, Grace's Guide.

At the Art UK source this painting is captioned "George Richmond Collis (1816–1872), Father-in-Law of Brooke Robinson, Louis Henri Sebbers (c.1806–1872) Brooke Robinson Museum". Wikipedia's page for Booke Robinson (1836–1911, politician) has "... married Eugenia Collis, the daughter of George Richard Collis of Stourton Castle on 10 March 1870." So, despite the dates discrepancy, we are confident that the painting shows the G. R. Collis who ran the silver goods manufactory and shops.

Our reference: A5335

Physical Dimensions

Height

15cm (5.91")

Width

15cm (5.91")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Plated Mug to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1222467

Dealers Internal Reference

A5335

Description

This is a delightful antique early Victorian English silver plated engraved and embossed mug bearing the makers mark of G. R Collis & Co Church Street Birmingham, circa 1830 in date.

“

The highly decorated mug with cherubs and a lion in relief has a grape vine handle with leaves and grapes, and is marked Pint on the rim.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. A Victorian silver-plated mug featuring embossed putti and grapevine motifs, an engraved rim, a pint capacity mark, and a naturalistic branch-shaped handle. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

The quality and craftsmanship throughout is truly second to none.

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 15 cm x Width 15 cm x Depth 10 cm

Dimensions in inches:Height 6 inches x Width 6 inches x Depth 4 inches

fig 2. A Victorian silver-plated mug featuring embossed putti and grapevine motifs, an engraved rim, a pint capacity mark, and a naturalistic branch-shaped handle. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

George Richmond Collis

Manufacturers of articles in gold, silver, bronze, electro-plate and crystallized bases of metals. George Richmond Collis purchased the business from Sir Edward Thomason (c.1769-1849) when Thomason retired in 1835. Originally based at Church Street, Birmingham; in 1854 a branch was opened at 130 Regent Street, London. There was also a branch at Langham Place, Regent Street (c.1847).

fig 3. A Victorian silver-plated mug featuring embossed putti and grapevine motifs, an engraved rim, a pint capacity mark, and a naturalistic branch-shaped handle. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

A trade card has extensive text: "George Richmond Collis & Co. Late Sir Edward Thomason, Birmingham, Manufacturer of Articles in the Highest Classes of the Arts, in Gold, Silver, Plated, Bronze and Mr. G.R. Colins is Consul for Turkey & Vice Consul for France, Russia, Prussia, Portugal, Norway, &c. with the privilege of granting Passports to Persons visiting France & its Dominions. Strangers of Respectabilty {sic} are Permitted to View the Show Rooms & Manufactory."

fig 4. A Victorian silver-plated mug featuring embossed putti and grapevine motifs, an engraved rim, a pint capacity mark, and a naturalistic branch-shaped handle. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

The premises in Regent Street were taken over in 1888 by John Bodman Carrington (Carrington & Co). 31 December 1888 Collis & Co disappeared as a separate concern and was absorbed by S.W. Smith & Co.However, it was from the Regent Street shop that Lord Stanley purchased the Stanley Cup in 1892, by which time it was Carrington & Co.Grace's Guide has a brief bio of G. R. Collis (c.1810-1881), which has him living at Stourton Castle in1871.

fig 5. A Victorian silver-plated mug featuring embossed putti and grapevine motifs, an engraved rim, a pint capacity mark, and a naturalistic branch-shaped handle. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Silver Plated Embossed and Engraved Mug G R Collis C1835

Source: British Museum, Science Museum, Silver Collection, Grace's Guide.

At the Art UK source this painting is captioned "George Richmond Collis (1816–1872), Father-in-Law of Brooke Robinson, Louis Henri Sebbers (c.1806–1872) Brooke Robinson Museum". Wikipedia's page for Booke Robinson (1836–1911, politician) has "... married Eugenia Collis, the daughter of George Richard Collis of Stourton Castle on 10 March 1870." So, despite the dates discrepancy, we are confident that the painting shows the G. R. Collis who ran the silver goods manufactory and shops.

Our reference: A5335

Physical Dimensions

Height

15cm (5.91")

Width

15cm (5.91")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Plated Mug to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref