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1 Exceptional 18th Century Small Decorative Rare Antique George III English Sterling Gilded Finest 925 Silver Baluster Mug Tankard By John Langlands Dated 1774.Fully hallmarked with English silver hallmarks for Newcastle & silversmith maker John Langlands.A George III Newcastle silver mug, of baluster form to a spread circular foot, with tongue capped scroll handle and later chased floral decoration to the whole surrounding a vacant scrolled cartouche. Hallmarked John Langlands I, Newcastle 1774.Excellent heavy weight 10.78 ozt (335.2 grams). A feature that stands out are the chased sunflower, foliage, branches, vines & scrolled garland cartouche decorations, with a a magnificent gilded interior.Biography of John Langlands was a Newcastle based silversmith part of the Langlands family, who for sixty years were the largest silverplate producers in Newcastle.John Langlands started in partnership with John Goodrick, taking over the business of their master Isaac Cookson when he died in 1754. When Goodrick died in 1757 Langlands continued on and the business continued to thrive.He went into partnership with John Robertson I in 1778 until 1795 when the partnership was dissolved two years after his death in 1793, his wife Margaret running things in the meantime. Langlands son, Robert II took over the business and it continued to produce high quality silver plate. His widow Dorothy took over after his death in 1804 and continued on until her retirement in 1814.The Langlands and Robertson partnership was very prolific and they became renowned sugar tong makers rivalling good London producers of the same period. They entered marks in 1778 and 1780 and continued to use both of them, so dating their pieces can be difficult on marks alone.Such excellent clear struck marks and includes the extra letter ''F'' London silver import hallmark stamp.Excellent quality 247 year old sterling silver example.Provenance bought from high end fine ant...