Antique Victorian Figural Tankard Style Pitcher, Silver Plated Circa 1848 - 1858

Antiques : Accessories : Victorian : Silver Plate Pitcher : Figural Pieces

 

This charming antique figural tankard style silver plated pitcher is extremely ornate and quite intriguing. The mark on the bottom was the mark for Smith, Sissons & Company, used between 1848 and 1858, which was formerly Roberts, Smith & Co. and later became the Williams & George Sissons Co. in Sheffield, England UK.

The designs include scallops, flowers, leaves, pineapples, scrolls, buttons, and acorns, which are all very elaborate. Under the pour spout is the head of a bearded man with ram horns. The finial features a small child (or cherub) riding a swan (with a ribbon tied around its neck) and holding an ear of corn in his hand. The handle is basically a scroll and features the head of a child or cherub as well as two very small sections where it appears to be either bone or ivory that has been inlaid. This is quite an enchanting piece. One feature I love is the interior of the spout is heart shaped, which I'd never seen before.

It measures 14" in height to the top of the finial and 8-1/4" in height to top of pitcher. It is 5-1/8" diameter at the top and 6-1/2" diameter at the base.

Aside from the tarnish present, there is absolutely no damage to this piece whatsoever. I have gone over this piece and ultimately determined that there is absolutely no plate loss as far as I can tell. However, the only way to really determine that, I would have to polish it, which I will not do. The patina is just too grand to disturb. The inside looks a bit icky, but again, I wouldn't polish it or actually use it for serving a beverage. This piece should, in my opinion, only be appreciated for it's size and lovely decorative features.

Please don't hesitate to ask me for more pictures, as I have many.

Item ID: AU-1160