Stirrup cup in sterling silver: woodcock

This woodcock is one of a series of twelve silver stirrup glasses (the price refers to this single piece). The models date back to the mid-1900s and represent twelve different animals, each designed to be placed on the table and used to serve wine. I personally created the model for this glass, which proved particularly complex: when turned upside down to hold the wine, the beak alone was not sufficient to ensure balance. To solve this, I added an earthworm held in the woodcock’s beak—an elegant detail that also provides perfect stability!

Most popular during the late 18th and 19th centuries, antique silver stirrup cups were drinking vessels traditionally presented to riders on horseback before setting out for, or upon returning from, a hunt—often while their feet remained in the stirrups. This custom was most commonly English, though Scottish hosts also offered a “parting cup” to guests arriving on horseback. In Scotland, this drink was known as dochan doruis, meaning “drink of the door,” and was likewise served in a stirrup cup.

Designed for comfort in the hand and made without a base, stirrup cups had a small capacity so the contents could be consumed quickly. On some occasions, they were placed on bespoke trays crafted specifically to accommodate their distinctive shapes. The beverage served was typically wine or a spirit-based punch infused with spices.

Early stirrup cups were essentially wine glasses; however, as their popularity grew, silversmiths began crafting them in forms associated with the hunt, such as fox or hound heads. The rim of a stirrup cup was often engraved with a motto or inscription commemorating the hunt or the occasion.