A fine quality English Britannia standard silver cup and cover by Tessiers, hallmarked London 1934. Charles II style, cylindrical on pedestal foot with salver-style lid, cut-card decoration, faux armorial and two scroll handles. 10.5" (26.7cm) handle to handle, 6.5" (16.5cm) high, 46.3 troy oz (1439g). A rarely used British silver standard, higher than sterling with 958 parts per thousand. It briefly replaced sterling as the only legal standard in England in 1697 (when it was adopted to prevent debasing of the coin supply). In 1720, when the sterling standard was reintroduced the Britannia standard was all but forgotten, however it has remained a legal standard ever since. Britannia standard enjoyed a minor resurgence in the early 20th century for use in reproductions of early 18th century pieces.
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