Scottish Sterling Silver Watson Family Cup 1792 28oz

This is a brilliantly crafted, monumental Scottish early George III sterling silver two handled cup.

With beautifully engraved period Watson family crest and motto. Opposite side with ribbon and drapery encased period initials "J.W." Likely for James Watson.

The cup is fully hallmarked for Edinburgh, 1792 and sterling. No discernible maker's mark.

This elegant 1792 Watson family cup in classic tapering urn design.

Beautiful bright cut engraved floral and swirling vine decoration to shoulder.

Six petal flowerheads. Set within pinched corner shield form medallions. United by ruffled leaf and longstreaming vine.

Elaborate series of bright cut engraved scrolling wave and recessed bead borders.

Beautifully engraved period crest for the Watson family. A raised hand with oak wreath within oval frame. Itself set within ribbon and bow, drapery border.

Motto "Insperata Florvit" or It has flourished unexpectedly. Recently adopted as the motto of the President's economic council.

Briefly, this is an ancient use of the crest for the Watson family. According to centuries old chronicles, the Watsons were known for unwavering loyalty and service. Especially to the Earls of Caithness. So much so, that they were given an "enhancement" for exceptional service during the Napoleonic wars.

The opposite side of the cup with "JW" (James Watson?). Set within matching ribbon and bow draped frame

This extremely fine George III Scottish sterling silver Watson family crested two handle cup is 10 inches tall and 9 1/2 handle to handle. Exceptionally thick, heavy guage sterling construction, weighs 28 ounces.

Extremely crisp, well struck hallmarks to the underside as shown. These include marks for sterling, Edinburgh, date letter for 1792 and Monarch. There is no maker's mark apparent.

In excellent condition. Rich, lustreous sterling patina throughout. Interior free of discoloration. The elaborate bright cut engraved medallion and swirling vine, and rich border detail retain much of their original crisp, vibrant detail. Stands firm on table or display. Free of repair or restoration.

For the discerning collector of the finest George III Scottish sterling. A monumental Scottish George III sterling silver two handled medallion and swirling vine decorated cup. Adorned with beautifully engraved Watson family crest and motto. In excellent condition.

Please feel free to inquire directly about this, or any item we've listed. Whether the item is alone or part of a set. We very much welcome your interest. We are collectors first. As such, we are quite easy to work with.

We happily combine items when shipping, saving you costs. We ship twice weekly, usually US Postal Priority. Fully insured for domestic packages, and air parcel overseas. We charge a bit more than actual cost for custom size boxes, shipping materials and to pay for professional packing.

We make great effort to accurately describe each item listed. Returns are accepted, if either condition, country of origin or dating is significantly incorrect. In such cases we refund your shipping costs as well. Like you, we are only human, and make mistakes. Hopefully, not too many.

Remember, the items you see are antiques. Hence, have an expected amount of wear from normal use. As such, returning an item because we failed to mention the tiniest bit of wear, or barely discernible flaw is not acceptable. Nor do we accept returns based on buyer's remorse. Nor change of taste, or because a buyer did not realize how "small" four inches might be once in hand.

Please note, Massachusetts residents are subject to sales tax.

We have over 5035 feedbacks. And, are quite proud of our 99.% plus rating.

We received favorable notice in the March 12th, 2006 New York Times. Page 8, Business Section, in a well written article on silver collecting. Copy furnished upon request.

From our personal collection, an elegant mid 19th century coin silver basket, from John and Edward Moore, of Tiffany fame. Illustrated in the cover article of May/June 2008 Silver Magazine, page 27.

Enjoy....and good fortune in your bidding.