Edinburgh 1708 Colin McKenzie with Assay Master Edward Penman

A superb, heavy Scottish Tankard, made in Edinburgh in 1708 by Colin McKenzie. Of plain tapering cylindrical form on a spreading foot with a hinged domed cover with baluster finial and corkscrew and foliate thumbpiece. The body is engraved with contemporary coat of arms for John 4th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne (1663-1712) with a later engraved inscription for John, the 9th Earl (1737-1776) "John Earl of Strathmore Obiit Apr. 7 Anno 1776".
The 9th Earl was educated at Pembroke College Cambridge and married Mary Eleanor, only daughter and heiress of George Bowes of Streatlam Castle and Gibside, co Durham, in 1767. In order to inherit the Bowes estate, he later took the name "Bowes" as a condition of the will of George Bowes and formed the Bowes-Lyon family, one of whose descendants was The Queen Mother.
An important piece of Scottish silver with great weight and colour, along with fabulous form and condition. Measuring approx. 7.75" (19.5cm) high.