Login or create a new account to start bidding.
Your account has not been verified yet. Verify your account to start bidding

#804 | Charles II steeple cup, John Thompson, York 1652, silver

Lot sold
Description
An exceptional 17th-century English Steeple Cup. A masterpiece of urban pride and mythical decoration. We are pleased to offer an extremely rare 17th-century steeple cup of museum quality – a magnificent example of the refined goldsmithing and symbolism of England. This imposing cup, made in 1652 by John Thompson of York, features its original removable lid, crowned with an impressive tower-shaped pinnacle that gives the cup its name. A commemorative coin commemorating the birth and baptism of Prince Charles in 1630 is set into the center of the lid. The inscription on the coin reads: "In Honor Caro Princ Mag Bri Fr Et Hi Nat 29 Maii 1630." The vertical, architectural form of the lid gives it a stately and monumental appearance. The surface of the cup is richly decorated with finely engraved and hammered images of sea creatures – fanciful figures that evoke the mysterious depths of the ocean and the mythical powers attributed to it. These dynamic ornaments reflect both classical mythology and the period's fascination with maritime exploration. Central to the cup is the York City Arms, beautifully engraved and prominently displayed—a powerful symbol of urban identity, loyalty, and prestige. Tower cups like these were often made as honorary gifts for official occasions or as tokens of appreciation to dignitaries. The finish demonstrates the highest level of Stuart craftsmanship and the cup is in exceptionally good condition. The warm and even patina emphasizes its age without loss of any detail. This tower cup is more than just a silver object—it is a monument in silver, a celebration of urban pride, sailor's imaginations and the artistic excellence of 17th-century English gold- and silversmiths. York, United Kingdom, John Thompson (or Thomason), 1652. Hallmarks: city mark York, maker's mark (IT above a flower), date letter X (1652). Light traces of use. Weight: 1176.5 grams, 925/1000. Dimensions (height x diameter): 48 x 13.5 cm.
Catalogs
Catalogue March 2026
29-01-2026
Lot sold
Loading

Share on social media

Receive a notification when this lot is about to close
BIDDING STARTS FROM

2 February 2026

LIVE AUCTION DAYS


Thursday, March 5
Session starts: 1:00 PM
* Jewellery | Lot 1 - 626
* Diamonds | Lot 627 - 642

Friday, March 6
Session starts: 6:00 PM
* Silver | Lot 643 - 892

Saturday, March 7
First session starts: 12:00 PM
* Luxury Accessories | Lot 893 - 1033

Second session starts: 2:00 PM
* Watches | Lot 1034 - 1328

VIEWING DAYS

Viewing of auction objects can be done without appointment on the following viewing days:

  • Wednesday, March 4 from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 5 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
  • Friday, March 6 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
  • Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
COLLECTION & SHIPPING OPTIONS


Pick up from HQ Klaaswaal
Collection of purchased goods in Klaaswaal is by appointment only. You can make an appointment via the customer portal. To do so, click on the link in the email you received regarding handling and payment. Follow the steps and choose a pick up time. You will then receive a pick up confirmation by e-mail. You can collect the goods at the following address: Industrieweg 24, 3286 BW Klaaswaal, The Netherlands.

  • Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

175 pick up locations in the Netherlands, Belgium & Germany
You may pick up free of charge from one for our more than 175 offices in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping. You will receive a pick up notification the moment your lots arrive at the local office of your preference. Find the nearest office here: www.goudwisselkantoor.nl. When arranging payment and shipping through our online customer portal, you can select the pick up location of your choice. You may also request this service via veiling@goudwisselkantoor.nl.

Shipping
We do not offer inhouse shipping. For shipping services our auction house closely cooperates with Easy2Send, who offer insured transport varying from straightforward courier orders to special tailor-made transport of exclusive items, both national and international. The price quotation depends on the weight and size of your piece(s) and the delivery address. If you select "Easy2Send" as shipping method via the customer portal, you will automatically receive a quote from them by e-mail. You can also request a quote without obligation prior to the auction via www.easy2send.nl/veilingen | auction@easy2send.nl | Telephone: (+31) 88 330 0999.

Catalogs
Catalogue March 2026
29-01-2026
BIDDING STARTS FROM

2 February 2026

LIVE AUCTION DAYS


Thursday, March 5
Session starts: 1:00 PM
* Jewellery | Lot 1 - 626
* Diamonds | Lot 627 - 642

Friday, March 6
Session starts: 6:00 PM
* Silver | Lot 643 - 892

Saturday, March 7
First session starts: 12:00 PM
* Luxury Accessories | Lot 893 - 1033

Second session starts: 2:00 PM
* Watches | Lot 1034 - 1328

VIEWING DAYS

Viewing of auction objects can be done without appointment on the following viewing days:

  • Wednesday, March 4 from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Thursday, March 5 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
  • Friday, March 6 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
  • Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 AM - end of auction
COLLECTION & SHIPPING OPTIONS


Pick up from HQ Klaaswaal
Collection of purchased goods in Klaaswaal is by appointment only. You can make an appointment via the customer portal. To do so, click on the link in the email you received regarding handling and payment. Follow the steps and choose a pick up time. You will then receive a pick up confirmation by e-mail. You can collect the goods at the following address: Industrieweg 24, 3286 BW Klaaswaal, The Netherlands.

  • Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

175 pick up locations in the Netherlands, Belgium & Germany
You may pick up free of charge from one for our more than 175 offices in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Please allow 1-2 weeks for shipping. You will receive a pick up notification the moment your lots arrive at the local office of your preference. Find the nearest office here: www.goudwisselkantoor.nl. When arranging payment and shipping through our online customer portal, you can select the pick up location of your choice. You may also request this service via veiling@goudwisselkantoor.nl.

Shipping
We do not offer inhouse shipping. For shipping services our auction house closely cooperates with Easy2Send, who offer insured transport varying from straightforward courier orders to special tailor-made transport of exclusive items, both national and international. The price quotation depends on the weight and size of your piece(s) and the delivery address. If you select "Easy2Send" as shipping method via the customer portal, you will automatically receive a quote from them by e-mail. You can also request a quote without obligation prior to the auction via www.easy2send.nl/veilingen | auction@easy2send.nl | Telephone: (+31) 88 330 0999.