Gabriel Felling is recognised as one of the most outstanding provincial goldsmiths working in the late 17th and early 18th century where he is recorded as goldsmith of Bruton, Somerset, between 1678 and 1714. However, he started his career in London working for John Cassan, recorded by Heal as 'Silversmith to the King', and his name appears in the London Goldsmiths' Company Court Minute book for 11th April 1676.

A small group of tankards from his workshop survive. All display a high standard of silversmithing. It would appear that the present example is the only known recorded tankard by Felling with a monkey and whistle thumbpiece.