What is the difference between a mug and a tankard?

A tankard traditionally refers to a lidded drinking vessel for beer or ale, while a mug is open at the top. Over time, silversmiths and makers used the terms interchangeably for handled drinking vessels of similar proportions. Many antique pieces catalogued under these terms function equally well for display or commemorative use, regardless of whether they originally featured a hinged lid.

How do I know the date of my silver mug?

British silver carries a strict system of hallmarks that includes a specific letter code representing the year it was assayed. By consulting standard reference tables for London, Birmingham, Sheffield, and other offices, you can pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. Pieces without hallmarks rely on stylistic evidence such as the shape of the scroll handle, the depth of the footring, and the style of any engraved dedication.

Can I use an antique silver mug for drinking?

Solid sterling silver vessels are food-safe and non-toxic, making them suitable for drinking water, beer, or wine. Many collectors regularly use pint tankards and christening mugs for special toasts and family gatherings. Old Sheffield Plate and silver-plated pieces require more care to avoid wearing through the thin silver layer to the underlying copper base during washing.

Why do some silver mugs have gold inside?

The golden interior is known as silver gilt or wash gilding, applied to protect the silver from tarnishing when exposed to acidic liquids like wine or fruit juice. It also provides a rich decorative contrast to the polished exterior silver. This technique was common on eighteenth and nineteenth-century christening cups and presentation tankards intended to be both functional and decorative.