George III stood as godparent to the children of a number of his friends and courtiers. The King was expected to present his godchild with a gift, the value of which was standardised in accordance with the rank of the child's parents. Silver-gilt two-handled cups and covers were a popular choice. The form had been introduced by Huguenot silversmiths and remained popular throughout the eighteenth century.

This christening cup was supplied by the royal goldsmith Thomas Heming, to George, Viscount St Asaph (1760—1830), eldest surviving son of John, 2nd Earl of Ashburnham (1724-1812; Lord of the Bedchamber 1748-62; Master of the Great Wardrobe 1765-75; First Lord of the Bedchamber and Groom of the Stole, 1775-82). The King had attended the child's christening on 29 January 1761, the first time he had done so in person since his accession. However a warrant for the christening present was not received by the Jewel House until 18 February 1761. The warrant specified that 130 ounces troy (4.3 kg) of gilt plate were 'to be made into such vessels & after such fashion' as the Earl of Ashburnham 'shall direct'. The finished cup was finally delivered in March 1763, at a total cost of £67 14s 2d (PRO LcS/110, f. 357; Lc5/lll,f. 12;Lc9/45, f. 174).

Catalogue entry adapted from George III & Queen Charlotte: Patronage, Collecting and Court Taste, London, 2004