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A small silver quaich of traditional form with a shallow bowl and two thick flat handles, situated on a foot rim. The base has the maker’s mark ‘F&M’ for Ferguson and MacBean, together with the Inverness marks ‘INVS’ and a dromedary, plus hallmarks for sterling silver, Edinburgh, 1899.
In 1880, William Ferguson ended his partnership with his older brother James and entered into a new one with his brother-in-law, James MacBean, setting up Ferguson & MacBean. Their work was predominantly Scottish and Highland inspired pieces, some of which can be seen today in the collections of the National Museums Scotland and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. A detailed biography can be found in in Highland Gold & Silversmiths by G.P. Moss and A.D. Roe.
Quaichs are a uniquely Scottish drinking vessel with the name coming from the Gaelic cuach, meaning cup. Originally produced in wood, they were often made with staves which were then bound with withies (strips of willow) with the handles carved as an extension the stave, or they were simply turned on a lathe. During the mid-17th century, silversmiths turned their skills towards the wooden quaich and began adding silver mounts in the form of rims, feet, and fitted plates to the tops of the handles or the centre of the bowl. By the 1660s, silversmiths were making quaichs entirely of silver. The popularity of the quaich continues today.
Condition:
Excellent condition with some light surface scratches to the inside of the bowl
Dimensions:
Length across handles 10cm
Diameter of bowl 7cm
Height 4cm
Weight 59.1g