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An exceptional late Georgian Old Sheffield Plate double beaker, dating to approximately1805 and ingeniously constructed in the form of a small barrel.
Historically known as a Hob ’n’ Nob cup, the apparently single vessel separates at its central seam to reveal two individual drinking beakers. The two halves fit neatly together by friction, creating a compact and beautifully balanced barrel form when not in use.
The exterior is decorated with numerous finely reeded horizontal bands, cleverly suggesting the hoops of a coopered wooden barrel. One beaker is engraved with an elegant intertwined cursive monogram, apparently reading “RB”, giving the piece a personal connection to its original Georgian owner.
The interiors retain their hand-worked surfaces, with attractive planishing marks produced during manufacture. Old Sheffield Plate was created by fusing a layer of silver to a copper core before the metal was rolled and formed, allowing accomplished Georgian metalworkers to produce substantial tableware with much of the appearance and presence of solid silver.
This example displays a particularly appealing historic surface. Centuries of handling and polishing have revealed warm traces of the copper beneath the silver at the rims, raised reed bands and other exposed areas. This characteristic “copper bleeding” provides an honest record of age and use and gives the piece considerably more character than a later replated example.
The beakers remain in good antique condition and continue to separate and join as intended. There is expected surface wear, light scratching, rubbing to the silver surface and copper exposure, particularly around the joining rims and raised decoration. The absence of conventional assay hallmarks is consistent with Old Sheffield Plate rather than solid silver.
Measuring approximately 16cm high when assembled and 7cm wide, each beaker has a generous capacity of approximately 300ml or around half a pint.
Rare, beautifully engineered and full of Georgian convivial character, this is far more than an ordinary drinking vessel. Its transformation from a compact silver-plated barrel into two substantial cups gives it an engaging tactile quality and makes it a particularly memorable piece of early nineteenth-century hospitality.
Size: c. W 7cm x H 16cm;CapacityHalf-Pint (Per Cup)300 ml / 10.5 fl oz
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