This English made Victorian silver wager cup with an elegant figural body, stylish decorative bell skirt and an ornate upper swivel bowl is offered on the website of Paul Bennett Antique Silver for £2750. It was made in London, 1884, by Charles Stuart Harris.
According to the dealership, “99 times out of 100 Victorian wager cups are continental-made, some bearing British import marks,” making this Victorian London hallmarked example a rarity.
Wager cups (in effect two cups in one object) originated in Germany in the 16th century for use at wedding ceremonies, with the bride drinking from the smaller cup and the groom from the larger version – with neither supposedly spilling a drop.
They could also be used for drinking games in Victorian times.
