Drinking flask and cup

For travellers either side of 1800, accommodation could be uncertain, unless they were armed with letters of introduction that would secure hospitality. Drinking flasks, cups and other portable, compact knick-nacks associated with food and drink were essential accessories, often carried in the deep pockets all travelling clothes were furnished with. This particular flask and cup were made by the Edinburgh goldsmith Ebenezer Oliphant, who had been charged with making the famous silver travelling canteen once owned by ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ and now in the collections of National Museums Scotland.