In the Exeter example illustrated on page 115, the maker’s mark is ~Ao.~, and the piece also bears the stamped marks of Britannia and the lion’s head erased, denoting the higher standard. The date letter is for 1705. This is typically Queen Anne style, and is a year after Marlborough’s great victory at Blenheim. The scroll handle is massive and the terminal is level with the base. The marks are illustrated at the foot of the page, and can be seen clearly on the body of the piece below the cover. It is an extremely interesting specimen, worthy of the cabinet of the collector. The thumb-piece is in the form of a convoluted scroll resembling the shell-like ornament placed on early salt cellars. It is essentially a metal-worker’s device, but it may be remarked that in salt cellars of faience the same ornament is used. The Lambeth delft salt cellar of the late seventeenth century, illustrated on page 161, indicates this parallel between the potter and the silversmith.
With Exeter marks for 1705. Maker’s mark Ao. Including the Higher Standard marks.
With Exeter marks for 1748 (illustrated p. 391).
(_By courtesy of Messrs. Ellett Lake & Son, Exeter._)]
The other two Exeter examples are illustrated on page 117, and are of the period of George II. It will be seen that the cover leaves the flat form hitherto fixed during a long period extending back to Charles II, and begins to resume the domed shape of the early Elizabethan types. But there is no knob or button with baluster ornament such as in the earlier forms. The dome top of the later period is exceptionally reticent. In turning back to the William III example illustrated on page 111, in date 1701, it will be seen that the flat top did, on occasion, have an ornament; in this example the ornament takes an elaborate form, but as a rule the flat-topped tankard without ornament may be said to extend from about 1640 to 1740. In the Exeter tankard, dated 1748, the handle still follows the previous styles, and adds an ornamental form in its terminal which gives a pleasing effect with its terminal in double curves. The adjacent mug is the precursor of the new form of vessel which became individual. The tankard was passed around and followed the custom observed in the loving-cup. But the mug was personal and exhibited a change in the drinking habits of the common folk. It became a common utensil in inns in pewter, and its proportions were governed by statute. The date of this silver mug is 1733, in the reign of George II. The marks, with the Exeter date letter for the year 1733, are shown under the illustration (page 117).