Victorian Silver Wine Ewer with Armorial, 1849

This is a fabulous early Victorian silver wine ewer or claret jug with a generous capacity of 1600ml (2.8 imperial pints).

Made by Benjamin Smith, one of the top silversmiths of the early 19th century, this amazing ewer is beautifully decorated with vine and grapes: chased decoration to the body, vine tendril handle and clever looped vine finial to the hinged cover. The quality is outstanding and this is exemplified by the richly gilt interior which has the added property of protecting the silver from the corrosive effects of red wine.

The front of the body is engraved with a full coat-of-arms which includes a crest featuring a lion rampant holding a sword to the top and the motto "Certum Pete Finem" below. The Latin motto translates to "See a Definite Goal".

This impressive silver ewer is in superb polished condition with neither damage nor repair.