Antique Silver Tankards & Mugs
From grand lidded Georgian tankards to charming christening mugs, drinking silver is among the most satisfying and weighty of antique table silver. A guide to identifying, dating, valuing and selling antique silver tankards and mugs in the UK.
What Is Your Silver Tankard or Mug Worth?
Send a photo — including the marks on the base — and we'll value it free, with no obligation. We reply within one working day.
A silver tankard is one of the most substantial pieces of domestic silver a household could own — heavy, lidded, often handsomely engraved with a crest or presentation inscription. The smaller mug, frequently a christening gift, shares the form in miniature. Both are weighty, sought after and, by maker and date, can be genuinely valuable.
Silver tankards & mugs: what they are
A tankard is a large single-handled drinking vessel, often with a hinged lid and thumb-piece, in tapering or baluster form. A mug is the smaller, usually lidless version — frequently given as a christening present and engraved with a name and date. Both run from the 17th century onward; Georgian examples, named makers such as Paul Storr, fine engraving and good weight are what collectors prize. We also stock fine antique silver — see our silver collection.
What collectors look for
Named makers
Paul Storr and noted Georgian makers carry a strong premium over unmarked or later pieces.
Early date & lid
17th and 18th-century lidded tankards are most prized; the hallmark dates the piece.
Weight
Heavy-gauge silver is worth more — tankards can be substantial, lifting both metal and collector value.
Original engraving
Period crests, armorials and presentation inscriptions add interest; later additions or erasures detract.
What are antique silver tankards & mugs worth?
Value runs with maker, date, weight and form:
Indicative only — your piece depends on maker, hallmark date, weight and condition. Send a photo for a free, accurate valuation.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on a silver tankard or mug:
- Maker — Paul Storr and noted makers over unmarked pieces.
- Date — 17th/18th-century examples most collected.
- Weight — Heavy-gauge silver lifts value markedly.
- Lid — Lidded tankards over plain mugs.
- Engraving — Period crests and armorials over later additions.
- Condition — No splits, dents, repairs or erased inscriptions.
Marks are on the base or near the rim — look for the lion passant for sterling. Plate is marked EPNS.
How to identify and date your tankard or mug
Turn it over and look on the base (and near the rim) for the lion passant (sterling), town mark, date letter and maker's mark; lidded tankards may have marks on the cover too. Plated pieces stamped EPNS are worth far less — see our EPNS vs sterling silver guide. The date letter dates it — use our how to read silver hallmarks guide. As tankards are heavy, the metal value matters too — see the silver price valuation guide and live silver price.
Drinking silver sits with the wider table and christening silver. See our guides to christening sets, Paul Storr silver and browse our silver for sale. When you're ready to sell, visit sell your silver.
Value Your Tankard or Mug
Send photographs of the piece and the marks on the base, and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver tankards and mugs — common questions.
What is the difference between a tankard and a mug?
A tankard is a large single-handled drinking vessel, often with a hinged lid and thumb-piece. A mug is the smaller, usually lidless version — frequently a christening gift. Both date from the 17th century onward.
How much is an antique silver tankard worth?
From near scrap silver for a plain mug up to a high premium for a heavy Georgian lidded tankard by a named maker. Maker, date, weight and engraving decide. Send a photo for a free valuation.
Does an engraved crest add or reduce value?
A period crest, armorial or presentation inscription generally adds interest and value. Later additions, or a crest crudely erased, can detract. We can advise from a photo.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Look for the lion passant hallmark on the base. Plated tankards are marked EPNS or A1 and are worth far less. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Are christening mugs valuable?
Modest to moderate, depending on maker, date and weight. A good Georgian mug is worth more than a light late-Victorian example, but most have sound silver and collector value.
Where can I sell an antique silver tankard in the UK?
Mozeris Fine Antiques are specialist silver buyers with showrooms in Mayfair, London and Braintree, Essex. We offer free, no-obligation valuations — send photos or visit by appointment.
Send Us Your Photographs
Attach photos of the tankard or mug and the marks on the base. We'll respond within one working day.