Vintage Silver Quaich by Brook & Son, Edinburgh

A medium sized silver quaich of traditional form, with a shallow bowl and two lugs sporting downward turning ends on a simple foot rim. The base is stamped ‘BROOK & SON, 87 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH’ and hallmarks are located near the rim for sterling silver [925], Edinburgh, 1925. 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:

Excellent condition with some slight surface patination.

Dimensions:

Length across handles 15cm

Diameter of bowl 10.3cm

Height 4.7cm

Weight 122.6g