A Magnificent English Silver Early Victorian Railway Presentation Armada Claret Jug London 1863-4

A Magnificent English Silver Early Victorian Railway Presentation Armada Claret Jug London 1863-4

Code: 809877

Dimensions:

W: 23cm (9.1")H: 39cm (15.4")D: 20cm (7.9")

£4,950.00 Approx $6156.72, €5782.71
 

This large oversized claret jug is correctly called an armada jug. These pieces are rare because of their superior size and this fine example was made by Stephen and William Nicholson in 1863 -4. They were listed as fine silversmiths and this shows in their fine workmanship. This highly decorative piece is ornately worked throughout with flower and foliate designs. This decoration has been applied by various techniques either through fine casting or the process of hand raising the design which is then finely finished with chasing and engraving for the finishing detail. At the top, the hinged lid has a superb dolphin and maiden finial for opening. The interior retains its original gilding. This piece was made for presentation and would be of great interest to collectors of fine silver or of railway interest.
It was presented to James Constantine Marillier by the employees on the Eastern Bengal Railway Contract in token of their esteem and their names are listed in two columns, one on each side. In the centre, there is a fabulous hand engraved view of the newly constructed railway bridge crossing a large river. This exceptional piece is in very good condition.