This magnificent antique ViCtorian English sterling silver wine ewer has a helmet shaped form onto a knopped pedestal and circular spreading foot, in the traditional George I ewer style.
The lower portion of the large body is embellished with impressive applied fluted style decoration with alternating fancy incurved terminals.
The upper portion of the ViCtorian ewer is embellished with an applied girdle style design which conneCts an impressive shell motif from terminal of the handle and the exceptional textured, splayed fluted and scrolling leaf design to the underside of the flared lip.
The decoration to the body incorporates the contemporary bright cut engraved crest* depiCting a cross crosslet fitchée surmounted by a sword in saltire proper, above the motto "Crux mihi grata quies" - The cross is my pleasing rest.
This magnificent silver wine ewer is fitted with an exceptional and impressive chased decorated elevated, opposing scroll handle accented with large single leaf designs.
The interior of the jug features the original gilding.
The underside of the impressive ViCtorian piece bears the retailer"s mark "Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company Ltd, 112 Regent Street W".
This magnificent ViCtorian ewer, crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd, is a superior gauge of silver for its type.
* Upon the balance of probability and without any evidence to the contrary this crest pertains to the family of Adam, of Blair Adam in the County of Kinross-shire. Given the date of manufaCture of this ewer it was in the possession of Sir Charles Elphinstone Adam of Blair Adam, the 1st and last Baronet of Blair Adam (born 7th August 1859 died 6th December 1922). Sir Charles was the eldest son of The Right Honourable William Patrick Adam of Blair Adam and Emily Wyllie, daughter of General Sir William Wyllie. Sir Charles was created a Baronet of the United Kingdom, styled of "Blair Adam" on the 20th May 1882 at the young age of 32 in honour of his late father. Probably the intention was for his father to be created a baronet but having died prior to being created one, his son Charles was so created in his stead.
Sir Charles married Edith Dobson (died 7th August 1929), the daughter of William Dobson, of ViCtoria, British Columbia, Canada. Sadly, there were no children from their marriage, so upon the death of Sir Charles, his baronetcy fell into extinCtion for the want of a male heir. The estate of Blair Adam, passed to his nephew, Charles Keith Adam, thereafter styled "of Blair Adam".
This large, antique wine ewer is a magnificent gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.
The chased and applied decoration is very sharp and the bright cut engraved crest is very crisp.
Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the body are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of ViCtorian silverware.
DimensionsLength from back of handle to tip of lip 26cm/10.2"
Width 15.5cm/6.1"
Diameter of foot 14cm/5.5"
Height to top of handle 33cm/13"
Height to tip of lip 28cm/11"
Weight62 troy ounces/1928g
Date: 1899
Origin: London, England
Maker: Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd
