Edwardian sterling silver claret jug, Birmingham 1902, maker WD, sterling silver collar, spout and hinged lid with foliate decoration, cut glass base
Size: 11 ¼ h in
C19668
Claret has a French origin meaning clear, or bright, as the colour of French Bordeaux wine, and the term “Claret Jug” emerged in Europe in the 19th century. Silversmiths began using hinged lids to replace glass stoppers and silver handles were added, and claret jugs became a method for artists to display their talents. Britain produced some of the most diverse and artistic designs, the majority of the silver mounts hallmarked in the northern factories in Birmingham and Sheffield. Claret jugs evolved with the fashions, the wealthy demanded fanciful models inspired by the fashions of the day; from geometric Grecian patterns to classical scenes, and following Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs with the mounts chased in symmetry to the glass. By the turn of the 20th century production diminished, ceasing completely circa 1920. This is a rare Birmingham cut glass example from 1902, the spout and hinged lid with foliate decoration.

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