Exceptional Elkington Silver Plated & Etched Crystal Claret Wine Jug – circa 1900

Superb silver-plated and glass etched crystal claret wine jug by the renowned Victorian silversmith and retailer Elkington & Co. The claret jug silver-plate strapping is beautifully raised in “repousse” technique with decorative figural elements in relief culminating at the spout with the head of Dionysus, the “greek god of wine”. The hinged lid is surmounted with a bust of a cherub.

The elegant glass etched crystal body has a star-cut flat base. The glass etch technique of “French embossing” was developed in the mid 1800s. Here we see gorgeous glass etched details of 2 cherubs supported by foliage, each on opposite sides of the claret joined by trim etched “ribbons”. This trim design of etched glass is repeated along the flared base with tiers of linear patterns in “waves, leaves on vines and dots “.

Over the course of history Elkington & Co became very successful and was one of the prime producers of silver plating. Elkington received various royal warrants of appointments, including the emperor of Austria. One of their most famous pieces is in the Victoria & Albert Museum London.

This claret is exemplar of silver-plate and glass artisanship, circa 1900 and to be sure a treasured piece by any discerning collector.