Sometimes even a cursory examination of an object can tell us a great deal. For example, with this parcel-gilt silver Steeple Cup and Cover we know that it was made in London by 'CB' from its makers' marks, and it has even been dated 1613/14. The cup also bears the crest of the Old Serjeants Inn, Chancery Lane, suggesting a connection there.

Steeple cups took their names from their covers, which were designed in a similar form to church steeples. This style was introduced in the last years of Elizabeth I's reign and, while they were extremely popular in England, they were not made on the Continent, making this an exclusively English decorative art form.

N.D.L.R. : Contemporain de la Chaslerie.