Rare Antique 18th Century Jacobite Wine Glass Featuring Scottish White Rose, A Single Bud, Thistle Leaves & A Bee
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A Rare Antique 18th Century Jacobite Wine Glass, Engraved With A Rare Five Petalled Rose Alba (The Scottish White Rose), A Single Bud, Thistle Leaves And A Single Bee.
These drinking glasses from the 18th century were a form of covert political expression used by supporters of the exiled Stuart monarchy. These glasses featured intricate engravings symbolising loyalty to the Jacobite cause, such as the rose and bud (representing James Francis Edward Stuart and his heirs) and thistle leaves (symbolising the Stuart lineage). Some also bore secret toasts to “The King Over the Water,” referring to the exiled Stuarts.
These glasses were used in clandestine gatherings where Jacobites would toast their cause, often in defiance of the ruling Hanoverian government.
In Jacobite symbolism, a bee, as seen on this example, represents industry, loyalty, and resilience, qualities admired by the movement. While not as commonly used as the rose, thistle, or oak leaf, bees were sometimes associated with the exiled Stuart monarchy, reflecting their perseverance and the hope of a “return to the hive” (restoration to the throne).
Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. Structurally sound. Very very small flea bite to the foot as photographed. Nibbles like these are commonly filed out, but this has been left in completely original condition.
Measures 14cm x 8cm
Weighs 140.55 grams