A rare Carolean silver flat lidded tankard, made in London in 1668, which was part of Oxford's University Magdalen College silver plate. The tankard is the traditional shape of the period, tapering cylindrical with reeded borders, the flat lid with single step and single peak (lip). The flat hinge and hinge plates are cast, designed to withstand wear and tear. The thumbpiece is a double cusp. The massive scroll handle has underside curved into a half round, with hole, these handles were made in two pieces (myth has it that the hole was a whistle to call for more beer!, Waldron, Price Guide to Antique Silver, item 620, page 196). The tankard has been later engraved with the Magdalen College armorial, it reads "Magd: Coll: Athletic Sports, March 1861", and the lid is engraved with a wheatsheaf between wings armorial, the engraving is excellent quality and is beautifully preserved. The tankard has a full set of hallmarks on lid and base, Leopards head crowned and lion passant in irregular punch, date letter L fo...