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Early Victorian sterling silver water jug. Made London, England, 1838 by Benjamin Smith.
Measures 10 1/4 inch to top of handle. Weighs 25oz.
Round base with scrolling stepped rim. Fluted spreading body, lobed at the widest, round part near the bottom, tapering as it rises. Generous lip. Beautiful lid inset below the level of the upper rim, which has a gentle wide curve. Lid is hinged (hinges tight and in good condition) and has a wonderful applied flower/foliate finial.
The curving handle has two ivory heat resistor rings and an applied acanthus leaf, chased and finely engraved.
The bulbous lobes of the body are engraved and chased with repousse flowers of various species, delicately lovely and different on each lobe.
There is an engraved monogram - see 'photos.
All parts are hallmarked: the flower has BS, the Queen's head in profile and the lion Passant.
The inside of the lid has date letter D and lion passant. Underneath the base are the date letter, D, a lobed hallmark with BS for Benjamin Smith, Victoria's head in profile and the lion passant as well as engraved LINN INN FIELDS and B. SMITH DUKE ST actually written out.
Condition is very good. All parts appear to be original. |
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