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The Silver Treasury

Discover the long and distinguished history of Scotand's silversmiths.

Scotland's tradition of craftsmanship in silver and gold goes back to prehistory, and you will find examples of Scottish silver throughout the Museum. In the Silver Treasury you can explore how that tradition developed and how the craft was organized from the 16th century.

Scotland's makers

It is not possible to identify individual makers before the middle of the 16th century, but after that time makers' marks enable much more to be known about craftsmen and where they worked. Discover examples of silver from all over Scotland, from the 16th century to the present day. Alongside the historical work you can enjoy pieces commissioned by the Museum from contemporary silversmiths working in Scotland.

Silver around the country

Although Edinburgh was always the main centre, many other Scottish towns produced notable and attractive silverware, and a section on Burgh silver presents examples from several of these.

What will you discover?

The displays change on a regular basis, in order to allow visitors to see as much as possible from the Museum's collection, but they always feature different types of silver, ranging from cutlery to tea services, including pieces such as quaichs, thistle cups and the striking egg-shaped urns which are uniquely Scottish.