An unusual late 19^th century Anglo – Indian unmarked silver claret jug, Lucknow circa 1890

Raj period, after the English model, the globular base with cylindrical central section, a straight strap handle with scroll section opposite a short spout chased a Bacchanalian mask. The hinged domed with embossed gadrooning surmounted by a cast figure of a lion rampant supporting a shield. The body with embossed decoration in ‘hunting pattern’ with a continuous scene of lion and wild dogs pursing grazing animals and birds amongst trees and buildings. A beaded border to plain junction, with stylised floral lunette border to lower section.

Height – 26.8 cm / 10.5 inches

Weight – 648 grams / 20.83 ozt

This form of claret jug with silver mounts of a bacchanalian spout and lid topped with a lion rampant supporting a shield was made in Birmingham by Elkington and Co from the 1860’s throughout the 19^th century and into the early 20^th century. It is a classic Victorian claret jug design that in the present lot has been adapted by local craftsmen in India for the British market. An original example of this claret jug of 1865 was sold these rooms, 23 Oct 2019, Lot 287.