Pair of Silver Jugs
A proper pair of silver jugs brings symmetry to a table, spanning from heavy claret decanters to matched sauce boats.
Pair of Silver Jugs
A buyer seeking a pair of silver jugs encounters a surprisingly diverse selection of utilitarian and decorative vessels spanning the eighteenth century through the twentieth century.
The assortment on this page leans heavily toward practical dining table accessories, most notably matched sauce boats, claret jugs combining glass with metal mounts, and small whisky noggins.
Originating across Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods, these dual sets include both solid sterling silver and silver plated iterations designed for formal service.
Materials and construction
Silversmiths utilised solid sterling silver and durable silver plate over base metals, frequently combining these metallic elements with heavy cut glass, clear crystal, and occasionally contrasting details in ebony.
Claret jugs and whisky noggins rely on glass bodies paired with cast and chased silver mounts, rims, and hinged lids, whilst sauce boats are typically hammered or cast entirely from silver or plate.
Several claret jugs feature unusual face spouts that peer out across the dining table.
Distinctions in standard
The difference between ordinary and superior examples lies in the weight of the metal, the crispness of chased or embossed ornamentation, and the integration of components like serpent handles or hinged lids.
Cut glass clarity and depth of facet cutting separate everyday barware from pieces bearing maker marks from renowned workshops.
Hukin and Heath·Robert Hennell·Mappin and Webb·Asprey·WMF·Doulton Lambeth
The Pair of Silver Jugs Glossary
- Claret jug
- A tall vessel designed for serving red wine, typically featuring a glass body with a metal handle, collar, and hinged lid. They frequently incorporate decorative crystal cutting.
- Sauce boat
- An open container with a lip and handle used for gravies and sauces, often styled with three small feet or a fixed matching undertray.
- Whisky noggin
- A small drinking jug holding a single measure of spirits, commonly fitted with a star-cut glass base and a sterling silver rim.
- Silver plate
- A manufacturing method where a thin layer of silver is fused to a base metal core such as copper or nickel brass.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy consisting of pure silver and other metals, predominantly copper, standardising at a fineness proportion for durability.
Pair of Silver Jugs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use a pair of silver jugs at dinner?
Matched sauce boats serve gravies and melted butter simultaneously at opposite ends of a long table.
Claret jugs or wine ewers sit prominently on the sideboard until the meal reaches the dessert course.
How do I distinguish Edwardian pieces from Victorian ones?
Victorian examples often display heavier, more elaborate rococo revival ornamentation with deep embossing and dense floral motifs.
Edwardian pieces tend toward lighter constructions, cleaner Georgian revival lines, and simpler glass cutting.
How should I clean silver jugs safely?
Wash silver-plated and solid pieces in warm, soapy water using a soft cloth, avoiding harsh abrasive dips that strip natural patination.
Dry thoroughly immediately afterwards to prevent water spots on the metal and glass surfaces.