Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Christening Mug with Ribbed Design, London 1875

A charming antique Victorian sterling silver christening mug, fully hallmarked for London, 1875.

Crafted in solid sterling silver, the mug has a classic cylindrical form with finely ribbed horizontal bands around the upper and lower sections of the body. A raised moulded base rim and a clean angular handle complete the restrained late 19th-century design.

The hallmarks include the lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard’s head for the London Assay Office and the date letter for 1875. The maker’s mark is present but partially worn and cannot be identified with certainty.

With its substantial silver weight, clear London hallmarks and understated ribbed decoration, this Victorian mug would make an appealing addition to a collection of antique English silver. It is best suited to collector display or decorative use due to the age-related dents and slight distortion to the lower edge.

Details

Item: Antique sterling silver christening mug

Maker: Unidentified; maker’s mark partially worn

Assay Office: London, England

Date: 1875

Period: Victorian

Material: Solid sterling silver, .925

Hallmarks: Lion passant, leopard’s head, London date letter for 1875 and partially worn maker’s mark

Weight: 123 grams

Height: 7.5 cm

Diameter: 5.5 cm

Design: Cylindrical form with finely ribbed horizontal bands, angular handle and raised moulded base rim

Condition

Good antique condition. The mug has multiple dents across the surface and a slightly warped lower base edge, consistent with previous use. The piece remains structurally sound. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Sterling silver christening mugs were traditional commemorative gifts during the Victorian period and were often retained within families for generations. Their practical drinking-vessel form, precious-metal content and clearly dated hallmarks continue to make them appealing to collectors of British silver.

This example was assayed in London in 1875 and retains a restrained ribbed design characteristic of late 19th-century silver tableware. Its honest signs of age and previous use form part of its antique character.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show signs of age and previous use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.