Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Wine / Water Jug 1869

A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver wine/water jug - boxed; an addition to our diverse wine and drinks related collection. This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver jug has a bulbous rounded knopped form onto a circular domed foot. The swept neck of the jug is embellished with chased decoration to either side of a convex ribbed knop. The lower portion of the neck is encompassed with a band of stylised foliate designs, surmounting a strapwork style border incorporating foliate, applied bead and figural mask ornamentation. The body of this impressive claret jug is further ornamented with chased elongated quatrefoil designs, alternating with applied bead bordered cartouches. The flared upper rim to the lip of the jug is embellished with an applied moulded decorated border. This impressive 19th century jug in sterling silver is fitted with an exceptional cast silver elongated scrolling handle with a scrolling leaf decorated thumbpiece accented with an emanating bead decorated handpiece, in addition to a rosette design to the lower terminal. The vessel is supported by a bead decorated knop to a circular domed foot, ornamented with further chased foliate decoration, on a matte background. The interior of the jug retains the original gilding. This magnificent wine jug is fitted to the original hinged leatherette presentation box, with a satin and velvet lined interior. The box secures with a brass hinged clasp and catch. Such magnificent period examples in the original presentation box are rare and becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Dimensions Length from back of handle to lip 11.3cm/4.4" Width 10.5cm/4.1" Height 34.5cm/13.6" Weight 19.2 troy ounces/597g Maker: Henry Holland (of Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater) Date: 1869 Origin: London, England