The stirrup cup was a popular drinking vessel among hunting parties in the 1700s-1800s, when it was tradition to hand a drink to each horseback rider right before a hunt (for good luck), or right after a hunt (to celebrate). The riders' feet were typically still in their stirrups, hence the name! The base of a stirrup cup is usually shaped in the form of an animal's head. Solid brass and silver plate. Made in Italy. Dimensions: 2.76ʺW × 2.75ʺD × 5.25ʺH