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ID #SA1148239
FOR SALE
£1,675
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Serpentine Fronted Flat Back Spirit Dispensers
For sale by David Griffith Antiques
for sale €1,960     $2,127
£1,675
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2019
Browse dealers 178 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.
Id #SA1148239
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Serpentine Fronted Flat Back Spirit Dispensers

19th century
Description

Rare pair of antique serpentine fronted flat back pottery spirit dispensers and lids with original unusual design spigots. Registration marks and makers stamp. (Circa 1860).

Physical Dimensions
Height
30cm (11.81")
Declaration

David Griffith Antiques has dated these Antique Ceramic Spirit Dispensers to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1148239
Dealers Internal Reference
10858
Dealers Notes

Please supply item no. and postcode for delivery quote.

Shop hours: Wednesday and Saturday: 9.30 - 16.30. Or by appointment.

Visit us - www.davidgriffithantiques.com

Contact us - info@davidgriffithantiques.com

Description
Rare pair of antique serpentine fronted flat back pottery spirit dispensers and lids with original unusual design spigots. Registration marks and makers stamp. (Circa 1860).
Height
30cm (11.81")
Date of Manufacture

David Griffith Antiques has dated these Antique Ceramic Spirit Dispensers to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1148239
Dealers Internal Ref
10858
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2019

Specialising in library, hall and club room furniture, leather seating and writing tables, campaign and travelling furniture.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the David Griffith Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish.
1 / 5
Archive I A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish.

Serpentine Fronted Flat Back Spirit Dispensers

Archive II A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish. View II
Archive III A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish. View III
Archive IV A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish. View IV
Archive V A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish. View V
Enlarged Archival View
David Griffith Antiques

David Griffith Antiques
Telephone 020 7226 1126 or 07976 800 062
Location
17 Camden Passage
Islington
London
N1 8EA
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
Items For Sale 178
David Griffith Antiques
David Griffith Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: 17 Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EA, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/davidgriffithantiques
Verified
Aug 2019
For Sale
178
A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish.
Serpentine Fronted Flat Back Spirit Dispensers
Ref: SA1148239
A pair of Victorian cream earthenware spirit dispensers with flat backs, brass taps, serpentine fronts, and hand-painted floral motifs labelled Brandy and Irish.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSpirit Dispensers
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialEarthenware, Brass
  • ColourCream
  • MotifsSerpentine front, Floral decoration, Gilded typography, Brass spigot
  • SizeH 30 cm (12 in)

This pair of Victorian spirit dispensers originates from 1860 in the English Country House style. Each earthenware vessel has a cream glaze with intricate moulded relief, gilded typography, and hand-painted pink floral motifs. The serpentine front features a flat back, an attached brass spigot at the base, and a separate circular cover resting on top. One dispenser is labelled Brandy and the other Irish, accompanied by registration marks and a makers stamp. Each dispenser measures 30 cm high. These pieces suit a sideboard top in a dining room, home bar, or living space as functional display items. They offer period character for serving spirits during gatherings or for traditional interior styling.

FAQs

Ceramic spirit dispensers, often called spirit casks or barrels, were commonly used in 19th and early 20th-century British public houses and taverns to store and dispense liquor such as brandy, gin, and whiskey. Designed with flat backs to sit flush against pub shelves, these functional vessels were embellished with decorative glazing and hand-lettered gilt labels to identify their contents.

These casks were typically moulded from heavy earthenware or stoneware, finished with a lead glaze, and hand-decorated with enamels, gilt lettering, and moulded scrollwork. Spigots or taps were usually made of cast brass or copper alloy, fitted into reinforced apertures at the base.

Authentic Victorian spirit dispensers feature glaze crazing, subtle hand-painted variations, and signs of age on the brass taps, such as natural oxidisation. Collectors should look for maker marks or registration numbers impressed into the ceramic base, as well as period-appropriate typography on the gilded labels.

A pair of antique ceramic spirit casks makes a striking focal point on a home bar cart, dining room sideboard, or kitchen dresser shelf. Their ornate Victorian detailing pairs well with glassware, adding a touch of traditional character to modern entertaining spaces.

Clean the ceramic body gently with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals that could strip gilt detailing. To prevent corrosion, ensure metal taps are thoroughly dry, and avoid running liquids through the dispensers if the internal seals have degraded over time.
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