Silver posset pot, with two handles but no spout, repousse decoration, hallmarked in London, by Jacob Marsh, English, 1764

Posset, made from hot milk curdled with ale or wine and sometimes thickened with breadcrumbs, was drunk as a popular remedy for colds. Spices could also be added to the mixture.

This example has been made to a very high standard from sterling silver. The hallmarks on the base of the pot have revealed the maker to be Jacob Marsh, one of the leading silversmiths of the period, who was producing work between 1741 and 1772. The pot is decorated with a technique known as repoussé. Repoussé is where the silver is hammered from the inside to create a raised pattern.