Exceptional Victorian sterling silver claret jug, Sheffield, 1872.
11 7/8inches high.
Weighs 30oz.
Round domed base with repousse floral and scrolling patterns.
Ovoid body richly chased and engraved with panels of repousse trailing vines, grapes & leaves and c-scrolls, the latter forming a large cartouche front and back with gargoyle/mask heads above them.
Elegant rounded neck leads to marvelous bill-like spout with conforming hinged lid.
Beaded rim.
Atop this is a 4-sided finial with moulded dog/lion heads.
The handle is in the Classical Grecian style with a superbly moulded female head on it's top corner.
Hallmarks : Maker HH & JEB (John Edward Bingham for Walker and Hall, Sheffield), Crown (Sheffield), lion passant, date letter E and monarch's head in profile.
Excellent condition.
