A quaich is a shallow, two-handled drinking vessel originating in Scotland, traditionally used for offering a welcoming drink to guests. These vessels feature distinctive flat lug handles projecting from opposite sides of the bowl, allowing both hands to steady the cup during a toast.

How do I clean antique silver?

Cleaning antique silver requires a soft cloth and a specialised silver polish formulated to remove tarnish without abrading the surface. Avoid harsh dips or abrasive scrubbing brushes that can wear away delicate engravings, thin gold gilt layers, or historic hallmarks.

Are these cups safe for drinking?

Most solid silver drinking cups are chemically safe for beverages, provided the interior surfaces are clean and free from harmful tarnish or corrosion. However, fragile pieces featuring delicate cloisonne enamel, heavy gilding wear, or delicate antique structures are better preserved as display objects rather than daily tableware.

Hallmarks are official stamps struck into precious metal objects to certify the purity of the silver, the location of the assay office, and the date of manufacture. These small stamped marks allow historians and collectors to trace a drinking vessel back to its exact year of creation and identify the workshop that produced it.