Edwardian Silver Loving Cup, W. Aitken, 1905

Name: Edwardian Silver Loving Cup, W. Aitken, 1905
SKU: as1006a326
Price: 225.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

Photos

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This is a fine quality Edwardian Sterling Silver Loving Cup of considerable size. The cup is made in Birmingham by noted silversmith William Aitken and dates to 1905. Aitken was active from premises in Vyse Street in Birmingham's famous antique jewellery quarter between around 1890 and the early 1920s producing a wide range of Sterling Silver items.

Two handled Loving Cups are surrounded by legend and ritual. The story goes that the Saxon King Edward the Martyr was murdered whilst using both hands to lift a drinking cup and thus leaving himself unprotected. Consequently a ceremony arose whereby a two handled cup was passed from person to person around a table, with the person next to the drinker standing to guard the drinker's back. The cups are also associated with love and marriage, with a couple taking it in turns to drink from the vessel.

This circular Edwardian Loving Cup has two finger ring handles with thumb rests. It stands on a pedestal base and has a central rib around the full circumference of the body. The initials "NJG" are very elegantly engraved on the side above the date "Dec 21st 1907".

Condition is good with just a very tiny ding below the handle on the left side and the superficial surface wear that you must expect after 115 years of service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The cup is 10.3cm / 4.1" in diameter, 15.1cm / 6" across from handle to handle and stands 8.2cm / 3.25" high. It weighs a very substantial 184.8g / 6.52oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks on the upper part of the body below the rim are well struck and very clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter "f" for 1905 and the W.A makers' mark for William Aitken.

Shipping in the UK is £10 by Royal Mail Special Delivery Parcel Post, which includes cover for the value of the cup.
Overseas customers please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.

Price

£~~225.00~~

$~~301.93~~ USA

€~~259.70~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 27/MAY/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.