Vintage Deer Stag Head Stirrup Cup Pewter Brass Hunting Shot Glass

Details

Description

Vintage Deer Stag Head Stirrup Cup Pewter Brass Hunting Accessories Antique Barware Shot Glass Stirrup cups were popular through the … Read more Vintage Deer Stag Head Stirrup Cup Pewter Brass Hunting Accessories Antique Barware Shot Glass Stirrup cups were popular through the 1800’s and 1900’s. Theses are fairly hard to find.
Vintage silver plated or pewter hunting deer head stirrup cup. No maker's mark. This handsome cup is brass and silver. Heavy wear and tarnish to the brass.
Measures 6"H x 4.25" x 3"W in good condition with a very small nick on the edge of the cup.

Thank You

The Back Story

Most popular in the late 18th and 19th century, antique silver stirrup cups are a form of drinking vessel which were presented to riders on horseback prior to leaving or arriving home from a hunt; this happened whilst their feet remained in their stirrups. The custom is most commonly English, however Scottish hosts would also offer "a parting cup” to guests that visited on horseback. They called this beverage "dochan doruis" which literally translates to "drink of the door" and this would also be served in a stirrup cup.


Specifically crafted for comfort when held in the hand and without a base, their small capacity allowed the liquid to be drunk quickly. On occasions they would sit to a bespoke crafted tray to fit their unique shapes. The beverage served in the stirrup cup was usually wine or a spirit based punch mixed with various spices.


Early stirrup cups were essentially wine glasses , as however their popularity grew silver stirrup cups were crafted in shapes that were relevant to the hunt, such as a hound or fox head. The rim of a stirrup cup would often be engraved with a motto or inscription from the hunt to commemorate the event. See less