This exceptional and large antique Italian silver ewer has a rounded ovoid shaped form onto a domed circular foot, in a classic Victorian style.
The waisted neck is encircled with an impressive alternating engraved leaf designs accented with scrolling borders and cast and applied leaf and bead designs.
The large rounded body is embellished with a continuation of engraved and applied ornamentation emanating from the upper and lower portions, including a matte background to each panel.
The upper rim of the jug is encompassed with an applied moulded border.
This exceptional example of Italian silverware is fitted with an impressive cast 800 standard silver leaf decorated handle accented with scrolling leaf ornamentation to the upper opposing scroll and lower terminals.
The foot of the jug is encompassed with further matte ornamentation accented with applied scrolling segments above an impressive leaf decorated border.
This exceptional and large ewer sits on the original hallmarked Italian silver presentation plate.
The plate has a circular shaped form with a circular central well.
The plain well of the plate is encircled with a band of simplified engraved decoration to a rounded border ornamented with applied garlands between shaped matte textured panels.
The shaped rim of the plate is embellished with an applied scrolling leaf decorated border.
The hallmarks struck to the surface of the jug and plate include:
Silver quality/purity mark: 800 (.800, 800/1000).
Maker"s registration: 23 AL (I.M.A. di GUERCI & C., Alessandria)
Additional mark: Untraced
ConditionThis antique wine ewer is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The cast decoration is very sharp and the engraved details are very clear.
The Italian hallmarks struck to the rim of the plate and ewer are all very clear.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of vintage silverware.
DimensionsEwer
Length from back of handle to lip 24cm/9.4"
Diameter of body 17.8cm/7"
Diameter of foot 14.6cm/5.7"
Height 49.7cm/19.6"
Plate
Diameter of well 22.5cm/8.9"
Diameter 34.5cm/13.6"
Height 2.7cm/1.1"
Total Weight89.1 troy ounces/2770g
Date: 1950
Origin: Alessandria, Italy
Maker: I.M.A. di GUERCI & C.