A fine, unusual, large and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver wine ewer; part of our wine and drink related silverware collection

Description

This fine and unusual antique Victorian sterling silver wine ewer has a large rounded form onto a pedestal supported by a bell shaped circular spreading foot.

The body of the ewer has a matt, patterae background embellished with embossed decoration depicting Romans participating in a horse drawn chariot race.

The decoration incorporates a large framed vacant oval cartouche, surmounted by an embossed grotesque mask.

The neck of this wine ewer is ornamented with a band of scroll and palmette chased decoration.

Below the lip of the spout are two bright cut engraved crests displayed side by side, depicting an eagle's head erased ducally gorged, and holding in the beak a pheon point downwards* and a cubit arm vested and cuffed, holding an ostrich feather erect**.

The lower portion of the jug us ornamented with chased water leaf decoration.

The rim of the jug is embellished with beaded decoration.

This Victorian ewer retains the original hallmarked hinged cover.

The impressive scrolling leaf decorated C scroll handle is fitted with a fine and unusual horse's head shaped thumb piece and ram's head style socket.

The pedestal and bell shaped foot are ornamented with a broad shaped band of chased acanthus leaf decoration.

This fine antique wine ewer is a large and unusual example of its type, crafted in London by Thomas Smily.

NOTE:

* The crest of the Sharp family

** The crest of the Parkinson family

These crests have been brought together through the marriage of William Sharp, of Linden Hall, Lancashire and Jane, only child and heiress of William Taylor, of Borwick Lodge, Lancashire and his wife, Jane daughter and co-heiress of Henry Parkinson, of Woodacre Hall, Lancashire.

Further, more detailed information pertaining to the crests is available on request, or on purchase of this fine jug.

Condition

This antique sterling silver wine ewer is a very good gauge of silver, fine quality and in excellent presentation condition.

Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the neck of the jug and part hallmarks struck to the cover are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique Victorian silverware.

Dimensions

Height to top of handle 39.5cm/15.6"

Length from back of handle to lip 16cm/6.3"

Diameter 13cm/5.1"

Total Weight

30 troy ounces/933g

View the complete collection of jugs available at AC Silver

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