Silver tankard

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This silver tankard is one of the 'The Lion Tankards' - the only known pair of 17th century Scottish tankards. Made in 1685-6 by James Cockburn of Edinburgh, it takes its name from its lion-shaped thumb-piece.

The straight-sided tankard has a flat cushion lid and a 'C' shaped handle with shield-shaped terminals. The base, body and edge of the lid are decorated with applied rope mouldings.

James Cockburn was a prolific goldsmith. His work included the Edinburgh Horse Race prizes for 1687-89, a pair of candlesticks for the use of the Town and plate for at least 10 parish kirks.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-208-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 1597
• Date: 1685 - 1686
  1685-6
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: On body under rim: IC [monogram]; castle; B [script]; e [gothic]; on underside of lid: IC [monogram]; castle; B [script]; e [gothic]; on handle: IC [monogram]
  Tankard
  
• Dimensions: 183 mm H x 120 mm rim D x 146 mm base D; 130 mm H to rim
  
• What: Tankard
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: James Cockburn, Edinburgh (Silversmith)
  John Borthwick, assay master
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver tankard with a thumb-piece in the shape of a lion, by James Cockburn, Edinburgh, 1685 - 1686, one of the only known pair of 17th century Scottish tankards
  
• References:
  • Dalgleish, G. & Maxwell, S. The Lovable Craft pp 28-9. 
• Translations:
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