Elkington & Co Set of 2 1860s Victorian Sterling Silver Claret Jugs

These exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver jugs have a tapering ovoid body onto a circular domed foot, in a Classic ewer style.

The waisted neck of the each jug is embellished with a bright cut engraved undulating band of stylised leaf decoration flanked by plain applied ornamentations in addition to a broad band of scroll and simplified Akroter designs.

Each jug is ornamented with individual fine and impressive female Grecian style figures, the first bearing a vine terminating staff and holding out a handled bowl, another passive character featuring long braids in her hair and holding her skirt in one hand and a tied bundle of wheat in the other and the third holding in both hands grapes with flowing garments intertwining her body.

The lower portion of each body is encircled with a band of lobed decoration incorporating a circular motif to each alternating terminal, all filled with a matte pattern.

These antique silver jugs are fitted with hallmarked domed hinged covers surmounted with an impressive scrolling lobed thumbpiece and featuring an imposing scrolling hinge.

These Victorian silver jugs are fitted with fine and impressive cast sterling silver ribbed handles embellished with leaf designs enveloping four scrolling branches.

The domed foot of each solid silver jug is encircled with a chased decorated lobed border.

These exceptional antique Victorian jugs, crafted by the renowned silversmith Frederick Elkington of Elkington & Co, are the finest examples of their type you could hope to acquire.

Condition:
These Victorian silver jugs are an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The cast and chased decoration is very sharp and the bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp. Full hallmarks struck to the surface of each jug and part hallmarks to the interior of each cover are all very clear.

Dimensions:
Length from back of handle to tip of lip 14.2cm/5.6″
Diameter of body 11.7cm/4.6″
Diameters of foot 9cm/3.5″
Height 41.2cm/16.2″

Total weight
60.7 troy ounces/1888g

Maker: Frederick Elkington (Elkington & Co)
Date: 1869
Origin: Sheffield, England

Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these pieces of Victorian silverware.