Stock No. 2486	George I sterling silver mug
	Very high quality George I sterling silver small mug of excellent colour and extremely good weight. London circa 1725, by William Fordham or possibly William Flemming. The mug is perfectly plain except for a band of reeding at the base. The straight sides flare out slightly at the rim. The plain, curved handle is of a comfortable width. The base of the mug is struck with the maker's mark four times. The maker's mark is also struck once on the outside of the handle and once, in a different position, on the inside of the handle.
	Maker :- William Fordham

Condition :-Extremely good with an excellent patina. A few slight scratches made by use over the years. The maker's mark struck four times on the base and twice on the handle is very good but slightly mis-struck
Hallmarked :- London 1725
Size :-	2.1 inches (5.3 cm) high x 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) diameter of upper rim x 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) diameter of base
Weight :- 3.09 ozt (96.1 cm)
This mug was never sent to the Assay Office and was obviously a "special commission" for an affluent client who wanted a mug of very good gauge. This is why the mug is stamped with the maker's mark only. However, the maker took great care, as the handle is also stamped with his mark and it is very unusual to have the maker's mark stamped on both sides of the handle. In his book, "London Goldsmiths 1697 - 1837", Mr. Arthur Grimwade shows the mark on this mug as being No. 3874 on page 274. He attributes this mark to ?Wm. Fordham or possibly William Flemming. Of the latter, Mr. Grimwade writes "His mark is frequently found on well executed small pieces of hollow ware such as cream jugs, saucepans, dredgers and miniature porringers." In either case, whichever of these two silversmiths made this mug, it is a superb piece of George I silver and you only have to pick it up recognise its quality.

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