Silver foxhead stirrup cup
Silver foxhead stirrup cup
8919
Classic, silver stirrup cup in the form of a fox's head, cast and finely hand-chased to show the details of the fur, eyes and teeth of the animal. The elegant flared-lip cup is of a heavy gauge of silver and can sit upright as a cup resting on the ears and nose of the fox head.
While the stirrup cup had ancient Roman precedents, it was most popular popular in the late-18th and into the 19th century. Silver stirrup cups - or parting cups - are drinking vessels which were presented to riders on horseback prior to leaving on a traditional fox hunt, or arriving home from hunting. Either way, it happened while the riders were still mounted and their feet in the stirrups.
Specifically crafted for comfort when held in the hand and without a base, their small capacity allowed the beverage to be drunk quickly - usually spiced, port, sherry swine or a spirit-based spiced punch. On occasion the stirrup cups would sit in a bespoke tray to fit their unique shapes.
Since stirrup cups are connected with hunting, many are made in the form of a fox, stag, dog or horse's head.
Often unique, and somewhat novel, silver stirrup cups make great gifts.
Dimensions:
2007
London
Excellent
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