Antique Silver Claret Jug - Victorian

This is a beautiful antique solid sterling silver claret jug, dating from the middle of Queen Victoria's reign. Hallmarked for London 1863 with the maker's mark of George John Richards & Edward Charles Brown - a partnership of only nine years. There are partial conforming hallmarks inside the lid. The is an elegant, elongated pear-shape form, decorated with a combination of geometric shapes and patterns brought together with swirling tendrils. A bouquet of flowers is engraved to one cartouche, whilst the other bears an engraved armorial surmounted by a goat's head crest and the motto "Libertas" (freedom). There is a small engraving on the base which reads 'Oct 5th 1898 from H.M.' Central pedestal foot, solid silver handle and a hinged cover to the top. The interior is gilded - a mark of quality. Capacity: 2.5 pints (140cl)