Silver tumbler cup made in Edinburgh

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Tumbler cups got their name because their rounded base let them 'tumble' back up if they were knocked over. This silver example, dated 1687-8, was made in Edinburgh by James Penman.

The cup is undecorated but the large initials 'EM' are engraved on the base.

Penman was a prominent figure in the City of Edinburgh and in the Incorporation of Goldsmiths. His excellent craftsmanship skills were passed on to three of his apprentices - Henry Bethune, Colin McKenzie and Thomas Ker - who all became fine craftsmen.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-148-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 1471
• Date: 1687 - 1688
  1687-8
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: P [in a heart-shaped punch, rubbed]; castle; B [script, in a shaped punch]; g; on base: EM [large initials]
  Cup, tumbler
  
• Dimensions: 64 mm H x 86 mm D
  
• What: Cup, tumbler
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: James Penman, Edinburgh (Silversmith)
  John Borthwick, assay master
  
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh
  
• Event:
• Description: Plain, straight-sided silver tumbler cup with a rounded base, by James Penman, Edinburgh, 1687 - 1688, inscribed "EM" on the base in large letters
  
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