Antique George IV Sterling Silver Repoussé Griffin Crest Cream Jug, London, 1823

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A substantial george iv sterling silver cream or milk jug, hallmarked in london for 1823 and richly decorated with hand-chased … Read more A substantial george iv sterling silver cream or milk jug, hallmarked in london for 1823 and richly decorated with hand-chased repoussé ornament. Of elegant lobed ovoid form, the jug combines elaborate regency-era silverwork with a finely engraved heraldic griffin crest. ㅤ the body is beautifully modelled with pronounced lobed contours and richly worked in repoussé with scrolling foliage and floral motifs. The raised decoration creates considerable depth across the surface, allowing the highly polished silver to catch the light from different angles. ㅤ gadrooned serpentine corded borders frame the upper section and reinforce the flowing outline of the vessel, while the shaped pouring lip continues naturally from the richly decorated body. ㅤ an elegant scrolling handle rises from the rear, its upper junction ornamented with an acanthus-leaf terminal. This classical detail complements the foliate decoration while providing the jug with a strong sculptural profile. ㅤ the body is engraved with a heraldic crest depicting a griffin, the mythical creature combining the characteristics of the eagle and lion and traditionally associated in heraldry with courage, vigilance and strength. ㅤ the jug is raised upon a stepped serpentine pedestal foot, giving the piece an elegant elevated stance and providing visual balance to the generously proportioned body above. ㅤ london hallmarks date the jug precisely to 1823 during the reign of george iv. The marks show some rubbing consistent with age but remain legible. The maker's mark is partially worn, with only the final initials appearing clearly enough to read as "eb"; a definitive maker attribution should therefore be avoided. ㅤ with a net sterling silver weight of 244.3 grams and a capacity of approximately 335 millilitres, the jug has a pleasing substance and remains practical for its original purpose. ㅤ the piece survives in good antique condition with minor surface marks consistent with its age, but no significant damage, bruising, holes or repairs. The interior remains clean and the silver displays a beautiful bright patina. ㅤ a handsome example of early 19th-century english silver, combining substantial craftsmanship, elaborate repoussé decoration and an attractive heraldic provenance. Maker: unidentified, partially rubbed mark ending “eb” origin: london, england date: 1823 period: george iv / regency style: regency / georgian material: sterling silver techniques: repoussé, hand chasing, engraving, gadrooning weight: 244.3 grams capacity: 335 ml / 11.79 imperial fl oz measurements: height: 8 cm width: 18 cm including handle depth: 11.2 cm rim diameter: 9.1 cm base diameter: 7.6 cm handle: 6.8 cm See less