Antique Victorian Rare Sterling Silver Jug 1873

Magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian sterling silver jug with royal interest; part of our antique silver jugs and dining collections. This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver covered beer jug has a circular shaped form. The undulating body of this silver jug is embellished with impressive continuous village scene of figures at various pursuits, with spiralling fruiting vines to the background; this ornamentation was influenced by Flemish/Dutch genre artwork, such as pieces crafted in the late 17th century by David Teniers II. The underside of the lip is further embellished with a cast model of a youth; it can be determined this figure is poised to catch the last drop from the spout. The jug is fitted with an exceptional hinged hallmarked cover ornamented with further fruiting vine decoration, in addition to two cast figurines to the posterior portion. The cover is surmounted with an impressive cast bud style finial. The interior of the cover is embellished with the contemporary engraved inscription 'Henry Peverill Le Mesurier. From Their Royal Highnesses The Princes Philip and Augustus of Saxe Coburg Gotha, as a Friendly Souvenir of their Sport with him in India, 1873'. This antique silver jug is fitted with an impressive cast silver vine decorated handle, with a bifurcating lower terminal. The underside of the jug bears an applied registration plaque bearing 'Elkington, 1325'. This magnificent Victorian silver jug features the original gilding to the interior. This magnificent and versatile jug will have predominantly used for beer, however could be utilised as a water or wine jug. Such lidded jugs of this style are typically electroplated; solid sterling silver examples are rare and are highly desirable. This exceptional jug, crafted by the renowned London silversmith Frederick Elkington of Elkington & Co, is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire. Maker: Frederick Elkington (Elkington & Co) Origin: London, England