Antique Silver Jugs
An antique silver jug is a wonderful addition to a tea set, be it a silver cream or milk jug, it adds an air of sophistication and specialness to afternoon tea. Equally as attractive to serve guests wine from is an antique silver claret/wine jug. It is possible to find many different antique silver jugs, in a variety of sizes and designs and there are some beautiful pieces to choose from.
History of Jugs
A jug has historically been used to hold liquid, initially made from ceramic, clay or woven plants. A jug typically has a handle with a narrow neck, in Ancient Greek and Roman times silver jugs were used to store wine and oil, as silver has antibacterial properties the wine and oil lasted longer. The Roman’s often used silver wine jugs for special occasions and ceremonies.
Types of Antique Silver Jugs
There are many types of antique silver jugs to choose from, dependant upon the purpose you wish them to serve. From antique silver claret jugs, silver creamers, water pitchers and beer jugs.
The silver claret jug was produced in the Victorian era, and was made from the late 1830’s onwards. Claret jugs can be made entirely from silver but they usually also contain glass or are silver-plated, earlier forms of the claret jug were usually made from purely glass. During the 19th C though silversmiths began modifying glass and adding silver, be it a silver stopper, silver hinged lid or a silver handle.
Many silver claret jugs will have engravings and decorations and are a highly collectable item. There are many examples of beautiful French silver claret jugs but there were many also produced in Britain. A particularly nice piece is a claret jug decorated with fruit vines with the mask of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. Victorian silver claret jugs were often ornate and elegant; their engravings featured floral, naturalistic designs with the incorporation of plants.
As afternoon tea is famously a favourite past time in Britain, namely England, an antique silver cream or milk jug can make it even more of a special occasion. The first silver milk jugs were tall with a wide lip, gilt lined and either standing on one larger foot or three small feet, they first appeared in the beginning of the 18th C and then gained in popularity.
It is possible to purchase nice antique silver jugs from a number of periods. These silver jugs include George I silver jugs, these jugs are extremely rare and a very collectable item. A George II silver cream boat may feature scrolls, shells and flowers in its decoration, whereas a George III is a more elegant silver jug with smooth curved lines.
It is possible to find Georgian silver beer jugs, which held up to four pints, a unique gift for someone who enjoys a tipple. Jugs from the Georgian period can be found in the Rococo and Neoclassical style, as well as the Regency and Gothic revival style. A Georgian antique silver jug is considered very valuable, so is thought to be a good investment piece.
From the 1880’s onwards a number of rare silver jugs were produced, which took on the form of animals, fishes and birds, these required a high level of craftsmanship and are a good investment or collectable antique. There is an array of Victorian and Edwardian silver jugs available to purchase, they can complement an antique silver tea set and also be a unique addition to a dining experience.
