Victorian Silver Plated & Cut Crystal Claret Jug from Elkington & Co

This is a wonderful Antique Victorian silver plated claret jug, by the renowned Victorian silversmith and retailer Elkington & Co, and bearing their maker’s marks and date stamp for 1863. The claret jug is beautifully chased and etched with strapwork to the top with decorative masks and fruiting vines, the hinged lid is surmounted with a lion holding a shield. The elegant clear cut crystal body has a star-cut flat base. There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector. Condition: In excellent condition with no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 27 x width 18 x depth 15 Dimensions in inches: Height 11 inches x width 7 inches x depth 6 inches Elkington & Co was a silver manufacturer from Birmingham, England. The firm was founded by George Richards Elkington and his brother, Henry Elkington, in the 1830s. It operated under the name GR Elkington & Co. until 1842, when a third partner, Josiah Mason, joined the firm. It operated as Elkington, Mason, & Co. until 1861, when the partnership with Mason was terminated. The firm operated independently as Elkington & Co. from 1861 until 1963. It was then taken over by British Silverware, Ltd. In 1971 British Silverware, Ltd. became a subsidiary of Delta Metal Co. Ltd. Over the course of history it became very successful and was one of the prime producers of silver plating. Elkington received various royal warrants of appointments. One of their most famous pieces is the electrotype copy of the Jerningham Wine Cooler, at the Victoria & Albert Museum.