Greetings, collectors! Today, we have a truly charming piece of ceremonial silver: a Victorian Period Sterling Silver Kiddush Cup. This elegant vessel, traditionally used in Jewish rituals for sanctifying wine, immediately captures the eye with its graceful form and intricate decoration.
Our cup hails from the late Victorian era, specifically dating to circa 1896-1897, as confirmed by its clear London hallmarks. This places it firmly within a period of rich craftsmanship and cultural expression in England. The silversmith, William Robert Smily, has imbued this piece with both aesthetic beauty and historical significance.
Crafted from sterling silver, the cup showcases exquisite repoussé work, with naturalistic floral and foliate motifs adorning the bulbous lower section and the circular foot. The upper body features a beautifully engraved Hebrew inscription. The presence of the lion passant, leopard's head crowned, and the specific date letter 'a' are the definitive markers of its sterling quality and precise age.
In terms of condition, the cup presents very well. It exhibits the expected surface wear and a lovely patina consistent with over a century of age and use, but no significant damage or repairs are apparent. This natural aging only enhances its authenticity and character.
Based on the unequivocal hallmarks and its excellent period craftsmanship, I can confidently assign this Kiddush cup an authenticity score of 100%. For auction, I would estimate its value to be in the range of $400 to $800. A beautiful piece, rich in history and artistry!
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Item Report
Victorian Period Sterling Silver Kiddush Cup
By:William Robert Smily (maker's mark 'WR')
Style:Victorian
Origin:England
Materials:Sterling Silver
Age:Circa 1896-1897
Condition:Very Good (expected surface wear and tarnish consistent with age, no significant damage or repairs visible)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Maker's mark 'WR', Lion Passant, Leopard's Head Crowned, Date letter 'a' (1896-1897). Hebrew inscription.
Date:2026-06-25 12:30:19.286025
Description:
A sterling silver Kiddush cup, featuring a flared rim, a tapering body with a bulbous lower section, and a knopped stem leading to a circular foot. The lower bowl and foot are adorned with finely executed repoussé floral and foliate decoration. The upper body is engraved with a Hebrew inscription. Hallmarked for London, 1896-1897.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a genuine and well-preserved late Victorian sterling silver Kiddush cup. The clear hallmarks confirm its origin, material, and precise date of manufacture. The repoussé decoration is characteristic of the period, and the Hebrew inscription adds to its cultural and historical significance. A fine example for collectors of Judaica or Victorian silver.
Individual Images:
whole Kiddush cup
front view
upper bowl with hallmarks and inscription
detail of sterling silver hallmarks
Provenance:
N/A
Condition:
Very Good (expected surface wear and tarnish consistent with age, no significant damage or repairs visible)
Identification Score: 100%
The item is clearly identifiable as a Kiddush cup due to its form and the Hebrew inscription. The hallmarks provide definitive information regarding its material, origin, and date.
Authenticity Score: 100%
The presence of full and clear English sterling silver hallmarks (maker's mark 'WR', lion passant, leopard's head crowned, and date letter 'a' for 1896-1897) unequivocally confirms the item's authenticity as a period piece made of sterling silver.
Image Memory Note
None
None
Keywords
Victorian, Sterling Silver, Kiddush Cup, Jewish Ceremonial Art, Repoussé, Floral, Foliate, London, 1896, William Robert Smily, England
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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