Edward Barnard & Sons English Sterling Silver 1837 Victorian Mug/ Child Cup
Edward Barnard & Sons, English sterling silver mug or child cup, from 1837 (Victorian era), adorned with stylized natural and floral motifs on the body and base as well as with a noble coat of arms. It measures 4 1/2'' in height by 4'' in depth by 2 2/3'' in diameter at the top, weighs 5.9 troy ounces, and bears hallmarks as shown. Edward Barnard & Sons was a firm of British silversmiths. They created the Lily font, a large silver gilt baptismal font used in the christening services of members of the British Royal family. The company's origins date back to about 1680, when the silversmith Anthony Nelme (d. 1722) established a firm in Ave Maria Lane, London. Edward Barnard (d. 1855) was first manager and in 1829 became the proprietor, trading as Edward Barnard & Sons, with his sons Edward Barnard (d. 1868), John Barnard and William Barnard (d. 1851). In 1838, they moved to Angel Street, London. The Lily font was commissioned by Queen Victoria from Edward Barnard and Sons, fo