Sandylands Drinkwater Madeira Label, 1735

Sandyands Drinkwater is recognised as one of the very earliest makers of silver bottle tickets and this Madeira label is an early example from his workshop.

It bears a great example of his first "S*D" maker's mark that was registered at the London Assay Office in 1735. Hallmarking legislation under the Plate Act of 1738 changed and in 1739 all makers marks needed to be renewed with Drinkwater entering his more familiar script SD mark. The shape of the lion passant punch changed at this time too and so the example on this label also pre-dates 1739 and so can conclusively provide an accurate date of manufacture to between 1735 and 1739.

The escutcheon shape of the label is typical for the period and the chased vine leaf decoration a popular addition. The label remains in fine condition.