An Elizabeth I silver beaker, maker's mark 'SE' in monogram (Jackson's p.100), London 1588

The sides of the present lot are engraved with the strapwork ornament which was so popular from the second half of the 16^th century onwards both in Britain and throughout Northern Europe. These beakers can often be seen in still life paintings from the Low Countries, such as the one painted by Pieter Claesz in 1642.

The objects, food and surroundings in this painting are noticeably more modest that others in the same genre which often depict luxurious scenes with huge silver vessels spilling over with exotic fruits. We can deduce from this that these beakers, while certainly still prized possessions, were intended for informal, and perhaps everyday use.