M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
 

 

17th Century Scottish Silver-Mounted Laburnum Quaich

Probably Scottish Highlands

 

 

Of round feathered staved form with two lugs, the central silver boss

prick engraved B over S * A, over 1658,

the paint-decorated lugs with engraved silver mounts, having a wide engraved silver girdle,

and raised on a silver ring foot

 

The quaich is a Scottish traditional "friendship" drinking vessel

Its probable origin was the Baltic region, where "mazers" (large drinking bowls) were built in the staved manner from the medieval period. Early quaichs were either carved from a single piece of wood, or made by  "feathering" together about 12 or 13 alternating light and dark staves (as above).  These were then held together by bands of willow or silver.  They generally had - and retain today - two or three short projecting handles called "lugs", the best of these covered in silver. 

The quaich was likely introduced into the Scottish Highlands in the early 16th century,

 but not in use in Edinburgh and Glasgow until the late 17th century. 

The name derives from the Gaelic word for cup - "Cuach" -  pronounced like "qwaygh",

 and probably only properly spoken by a true Scotsman.

Its favored use was for whiskey (spelled 'whisky' in Scotland) or brandy. 
 

Most quaichs offered today are 19th and 20th century. 

We have been privileged to have several from the 18th century. 

It is a great honor to offer this one from the mid-17th century.

 

It is said that Bonnie Prince Charlie carried a quaich with a glass insert in the center,

so that he could see someone coming to harm him, when at a gathering or in battle.

 

Condition : Excellent for age normal shrinkage to the wood; some rubbing to silver engraving and paint decoration; feathering visible; several securing pins to the girdle and foot missing; expected nicks and abrasions;

surface only rubbed with olive oil for moisture and sheen

 

7" Wide Over the Lugs

 

SOLD

 

#6766

 

PLEASE INQUIRE

 

 

 

 

Side One

 

 

Side 2

 

 

 

 

See Also :

 

 

Rare Silver-Mounted Burr Maple Apostle Spoon

St. Paul, Swiss / German, c1600-1650

6.75" Long

 


We welcome and encourage all inquiries.  We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have..

 

 For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668, or

Email : mfcreech@bellsouth.net or  mfordcreech@gmail.com

 

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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581 South Perkins Road /  Memphis, TN 38117 / USA /  Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

 


 

 

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 17th Century Scottish Silver-Mounted Laburnum Quaich, dated 1658