A Victorian sterling silver ‘aesthetic’ claret jug, London 1880 by Martin, Hall and Co

Of rounded bellied form upon a spreading circular foot, the acanthus capped C scroll handle fitted with ivory insulators leading to a hinged domed lid of conforming shape surmounted by a detachable finial formed as foliate branch. The body with engraved decoration of bamboo shoots, butterflies, foliage, and birds, all against a gently satinised ground. Gilt interior. Fully marked to neck, part-marked to the lid, the underneath stamped 3444.

Height – 34.2 cm / 13.3 inches

Weight – 773 grams / 24.85 ozt

ivory declaration: 81BPMRWA