Vintage Silver Quaich by Brook & Son, Edinburgh

A small silver quaich of traditional form, with a shallow bowl and two lugs sporting flared ends on a simple foot rim. One side of the bowl has an applied cast imperial crown. The base is stamped ‘BROOK & SON, 87 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH’, and hallmarks are located near the rim for sterling silver [925], Edinburgh, 1935. Brook & Son were goldsmiths to George V and the Royal Company of Archers (the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland).

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:

In excellent condition, with some very minor surface scratches across the tops of the handles.

Dimensions:

Length across handles 10.2cm

Diameter of bowl 6.9cm

Height 3.3cm

Weight 61.8g