PLYMG.2015.93A+B

The Sparke Cup

Thomas Jenkins (Silversmith), Joseph Wilcockes (Engraver)

General Description: Silver-gilt two handled cup and cover. Chased and embossed with a scrolling foliate pattern. The cup has two large, leaf-capped scrolled handles and the cover has an acanthus finial. (, )
Associated Information: The cup was purchased by the city of Plymouth in 1680. The Receiver’s Book for that year states: “£37 10s paid for a large silver salver Cawdle Cupp and cover, embost and thick washed with gold weighing 75 ounces, given to John Spark one of the burgesses in Parliament for this Borough, in token of the Respect and Gratitude of this Towne for his faithfull and diligent service.” At this point the city also paid local silversmith, Joseph Wilcockes, 10s ‘for ingraving the severall Arms of this Burrough and of the said Mr Sparke on the said plate.’ The arms of the city of Plymouth and of John Sparke appear pricked on each side of the cup and on the salver. (, )

, 1672 - 1673, 1680

London (Silversmith), Plymouth (Engraver)

whole: silver gilt

whole: cast, decoration: Pricked, decoration: embossed

Acquired with the assistance of the Art Fund, Arts Council England/Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery.