Chased Silver Christening Cup
These chased silver christening cup examples are traditional gift pieces in sterling silver and silver-gilt, sought after for their enduring silverwork and family association.
Chased Silver Christening Cup
A chased silver christening cup is a small commemorative drinking vessel presented to mark a birth or baptism, spanning Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. These pieces appear in forms such as christening mugs, tankards, and small silver mugs.
The most common examples you meet on this page date from the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Makers fashioned these drinking vessels in sterling silver and silver-gilt, often incorporating embossed or chased surface decoration.
How they were made
Silversmiths utilised sterling silver and silver-gilt to form the body of each vessel. The metal was shaped and finished with hand-applied chased and embossed ornamentation.
Mug and tankard bodies received decorative surface work by hammering the metal from the reverse side, a technique known as chasing. Hallmarks were then stamped to record the assay office, standard, and date of manufacture.
Chased Silver Christening Cup Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for chased silver christening cup among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings span multiple periods including Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and the Art Nouveau style.
What varies in quality
Quality in a chased silver christening cup rests upon the crispness of the chased decoration and the weight of the sterling silver. Pieces with deep, sharply defined embossing show greater hand skill than flat or worn surfaces.
The proportion of the handle to the body and the clarity of the hallmarks also separate standard examples from finer works. Gilt interiors, where present, add another layer of finish that influences desirability.
The Chased Silver Christening Cup Glossary
- Chased
- Surface decoration worked with punches and hammers from the front to push the metal inward and create relief designs. This technique adds texture and pattern to the silver exterior.
- Silver-Gilt
- Silver objects that have been coated with a thin layer of gold on the surface. This finish protects the silver and provides a rich interior colour.
- Hallmark
- A series of official marks stamped on precious metals indicating the standard of purity, the assay office, and the year of manufacture. These stamps authenticate the origin of the piece.
- Tankard
- A tall drinking vessel with a single handle, sometimes featuring a lid or a flared base. In silverware, these range from large drinking mugs to smaller presentation pieces.
Chased Silver Christening Cup: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify the date of a silver mug?
The date of a silver mug is identified by reading the stamped hallmarks on the metal. These official marks include letters and symbols that correspond to specific assay offices and years.
Comparing these marks against established hallmarking registers reveals the exact year the piece was tested and marked. Additional clues come from the overall style, such as Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian design traits.
What is the difference between a mug and a tankard?
A mug is typically a small, open-topped drinking vessel with a single handle designed for everyday or ceremonial use. A tankard historically refers to a larger cylindrical drinking vessel, though the terms often overlap in antique silver descriptions.
In christening silver, smaller tankards and mugs serve the same commemorative purpose. Both forms display the chased decoration and sterling silver construction typical of the period.
How should I care for antique silver?
Antique silver requires gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and specialised silver polish only when necessary. Avoid abrasive materials that can wear away thin chasing or remove hallmark details.
Store pieces in a stable environment away from direct sunlight and damp conditions. Proper handling preserves the original finish and the integrity of the silver surface.