Sterling Silver Loving Cup
These sterling silver loving cup pieces are traditional two-handled drinking vessels and presentation pieces spanning Georgian to Art Deco periods.
Sterling Silver Loving Cup
A sterling silver loving cup is a two-handled vessel designed for communal drinking or formal presentation, appearing in forms ranging from traditional porringers and campana shaped cups to quaichs and tygs. When exploring this selection, buyers frequently encounter pieces originating from Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and later twentieth century periods.
The objects serve diverse functions across their history, appearing as presentation cups, trophy cups, and domestic drinking vessels in British, Irish, Scottish, and American styles. Forms vary from simple two-handled bowls to elaborate cups with covers and gilt interiors.
What varies in quality
Quality in a sterling silver loving cup relates to the weight of the metal, the crispness of chased or engraved ornament, and the balance of the twin handles relative to the body. Heavier gauge silver provides a more substantial feel in the hand and resists denting.
The distinction between standard production and superior work often rests on the hand-finishing of details, the integration of gilt or vermeil surfaces, and the clarity of the maker marks and hallmarks.
Sterling Silver Loving Cup Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for sterling silver loving 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.
Nathan & Hayes·Mackay & Chisholm·Joseph Rodgers & Sons·Thomas Sutton·George Ernest Hawkins·Peter William Bateman·William & James Priest
The Sterling Silver Loving Cup Glossary
- Sterling silver
- A silver alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper, chosen for durability.
- Porringer
- A small, shallow two-handled bowl used for porage or broth, which shares structural similarities with early loving cups.
- Quaich
- A traditional Scottish two-handled drinking vessel, often shallow and circular, featuring distinctive lugs or handles.
- Tyg
- A large drinking vessel with three or more handles, designed for passing among company.
- Vermeil
- Sterling silver plated with a thin layer of gold on the surface.
Sterling Silver Loving Cup: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sterling silver loving cup?
A sterling silver loving cup is a two-handled vessel traditionally passed among guests during celebrations or formal toasts. These pieces range from Georgian presentation cups to Scottish quaichs and Edwardian trophies.
Over centuries, makers adapted the form from practical drinking vessels into decorative presentation pieces and sporting awards. They remain popular for formal displays and historic collections.
How do I read silver hallmarks?
Hallmarks stamped on the metal indicate the assay office, the purity standard of sterling silver, and the year the piece was made. Additional marks often show the specific maker or workshop.
These tiny stamped symbols provide a reliable method for dating British and Irish silver accurately. Reference books and assay office records help decode the specific punch marks.
How were loving cups used historically?
Historically, loving cups held wine, ale, or spiced cider and were passed around a table during banquets, weddings, or corporate feasts. Two handles allowed each drinker to hold the vessel securely with both hands.
This communal act symbolised trust and fellowship among guests. Later examples shifted toward permanent display as presentation pieces and sporting trophies.
How do I clean antique silver?
Cleaning antique silver requires a gentle approach using specialised silver polish and a soft cloth to avoid removing fine details or engraved decoration. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners or soaking pieces with cemented components.
Regular, light polishing maintains the natural shine and preserves the historic patina. Storing pieces in tarnish-resistant cloths helps minimise future maintenance.
Are quaichs a type of loving cup?
Quaichs are traditional Scottish drinking vessels featuring two flat handles, known as lugs, placed on opposite sides of a shallow bowl. While distinct in profile from tall campana shaped cups, they fulfill a similar communal drinking function.
Early examples appeared in wood before silversmiths adopted the form in sterling silver. They remain closely associated with Scottish hospitality and ceremonial toasts.