Tankard by Thomas Hebden, Hull, c.1680
This silver tankard has a curious inscription on its base: â26 ½ A bitt for yoâ mouse From DA 1684â The meaning of this is unclear but it may have been a special present to somebody from âD.Aâ in 1684. But who was the mouse? A silver tankard like this would mostly have been for show rather than for practical use. Before there were banks, many people stored their wealth and money by buying pieces of silver like this. Thomas Hebden (1660-1695) was originally an apprentice to Edward Mangie at Mangieâs workshop in Church Lane, Hull. After his apprenticeship, Hebden set up his own business on the south side of Church Lane. He became strong competition for Katherine Mangie, Edwardâs widow. Hebden traded at Church Lane from 1681 until his death in 1695 and made both church and domestic plate. Another Hull silversmith called Abraham Barachin worked with Thomas Hebden. After Hebdenâs death in 1695, Barachin married his widow. This tankard was presented to the Corporation under the will of Alderman. Col. Rupert Alec-Smith.
