GS, London, England, 1656-57.

GS, London, England, 1656-57.
Mid-17th century Commonwealth dram cup, GS, London, England, 1656-57, having everted rim with short pouring lip, slightly bulbous body, and flat base with applied rope banding. The twisted rope handles are characteristic of the Commonwealth period. The body is charmingly decorated with vertical leaves that alternate with vertical double bands, the whole embellished with pouncing. The base is further decorated with a punchwork six-petal design. Pounced block monogrammed ''WTM'' with the date ''1657'' below rim. Fully hallmarked outside, below rim, maker's mark ''GS'' with dot above each letter and staff between, crowned lion head, Lion Passant, and date mark for 1656-57. Old solder reinforcements at base and handles. 1-3/4''h, 4-1/2''w, 3''d. Total approximate weight 2.4 troy oz. Literature: ''Silver and Gold Marks of England, Scotland, and Ireland, '' by Charles James Jackson, 3rd edition revised, 1989, New York: Antiques Collector's Club Dist., for the mark. Provenance: The Searchers (Chas. J. Johnson), Washington, DC, 1969. Note: To study objects by this maker, please refer to the porringer/caudle cup at Hull Trinity House, and the covered caudle cup at the Victoria and Albert Museum.