The Property of a Distinguished Private Newport, Rhode Island, Family Collection

Description: A rare Irish silver tankard marked WP, Dublin, 1715.

Maker’s Mark is ‘W.P’ William Parker with the date letter ‘Y’ with the font and surround for the year 1715.

This extraordinarily fine and rare 1715 Dublin, Irish silver tankard has remained in the property of a very noted Newport, RI, family collection and has not been previously offered for sale in over a hundred years.

Marked with the maker's mark "W.P," crowned harp, and date mark within the chasing on the tankard, the "W.P" makers mark also appears on the handle, with the crowned harp and date mark stamped on the inside rim of the lid, as well. Measures 9" tall, 5" across the base, and 9" from the back of the handle to the front of the lid (sight). Weight: 1323 grams.

An exceptionally rare and elaborate chased Irish silver tankard decorated in high relief work depicting a pastoral landscape with dense foliage, architectural elements, a dog chasing a stag, a fox, waterfowl, and a center cartouche.

Provenance: William Shepard Wetmore (for the silver collection at Chateau-sur-Mer, Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1850s); William Watts Sherman (for the silver collection at Sherman House, Newport, Rhode Island, circa 1890s); Annie Derbie Rogers Wetmore Sherman (retained in the silver collection at Sherman House, Newport, Rhode Island); and thence to the present heir.

Research: Our attribution to William Parker relies on the marks found on an Irish Octagonal Sugar Bowl sold at Christie's (provenance: William Monsell of Tervoe, co. Limerick), which was first auctioned on July 11, 1934 (lot 139) and which was then sold at Sotheby's on October 25, 2019.

Christie's July 11, 1934 auction, included Irish silver with the Monsell provenance, bearing the same maker's mark "WP, Dublin," including a 1715 pair of two-handled cups (lot 140) and a pair of tazze (lot 141) and again bearing the same maker's mark "WP" from the same year as this tankard. Historians have further found a business relationship between the Monsell family and the maker William Parker.

The cartouche area of this tankard may have some traces of what might be the remnants of the shapes and lines comprising the Monsell of Tervoe arms. Nothing adverse noted, minor wear consistent with age.

For further condition details or additional photographs, please contact info@vallots.com