George III silver child's mug

A classic early George III silver child's mug of baluster form, and mounted on a spreading circular base. The handle is embellished with an acanthus leaf pattern thumbpiece. With an 8fl ozs capacity, it is useful size for all manner of hot or cold drinks and not just for children - adults too.

An ever-popular christening gift, children's silver mugs have been around for several centuries. A lidless drinking vessel with a handle, a silver child's mug was traditionally used for serving hot drinks. Silver was the preferred material because it kept the drink hot and did not taint its taste.

Small mugs were made specifically for children and some 18th century boarding schools listed a mug as a mandatory item that a boy should take to school.

Like this example, most early examples of children's mugs are of a plain baluster shape, designed for their sturdiness and practicality, and in the 1760s a barrel-shaped design appeared, often simply decorated with engraved hoops.

By the mid-19th century, ornate Victorian mugs emerged featuring exuberant floral and foliate decoration, elaborate engraving sometimes referencing nursery rhymes or traditional fables, and later the inclusion of gothic style cues too.

Although Art Nouveau and Art Deco silver children's mugs can be found, most made in the 20th century are recreations of popular styles of the past.