Thistle cup made in Inverness, c. 1715

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Thistle cups - so called because their bowls resemble a thistle head - were unique to Scotland. This silver example, dating from around 1715, was made in Inverness by William MacLean.

The body is engraved, '1715, DML'.

Early goldsmiths in Inverness were in the rather curious position of being members of the Merchants Guild, as the craft had been left out when the Incorporated Trades were established. This was amended in 1709 when goldsmiths became part of the Hammermen.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-184-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 1580
• Date: 1715
  Around 1715
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Body: 1715, DML
  Cup, thistle
  
• Dimensions: 52 mm H x 59 mm D
  
• What: Cup, thistle
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: John McLean, Inverness (Silversmith)
  
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Inverness
  
• Event:
• Description: Two-handles silver thistle cup, by John McLean, Inverness, engraved "1715, DML" on the body
  
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