Silver tumbler cups have been made since at least the middle of the seventeenth century ( I have personally owned a Cromwellian period example from York made in 1656 ).
The key feature of the tumbler cup which was used originally for drinking spirits (such as brandy) was that it would return to an upright position even when laid on its side. The earliest seventeenth century examples tend to be slightly flatter on the bottom than the later examples and all tumbler cups can be found both with an ungilded and gilded interior.
The size of them varies somewhat but a capacity of between 100 – 250 is most normal. Today they are perfect for whisky and other popular spirits and soft drinks and make fantastic gifts for all occasions including christenings.
At William Walter Antiques we have a fine selection of tumbler cups for sale for every occasion.