Were these jugs used exclusively for water?

Nineteenth-century households utilised these vessels for multiple table drinks, including lemonade, iced wine, and cordials, alongside plain water. Many examples listed feature specialised internal ice tubes or silver-plated lids designed specifically to keep chilled beverages cold during long dinner parties.

How can I tell cut glass from moulded glass?

Hand-cut glass displays sharp facet edges, slight surface irregularities from the polishing wheel, and deep linear recesses that catch the light distinctly. Moulded glass typically exhibits softer, more rounded pattern edges and often shows a continuous seam line left by the production mould.

What defines Mary Gregory glass?

Mary Gregory pieces feature white enamel silhouettes of Victorian children playing outdoors amongst foliage, painted onto coloured glass bodies such as green or cranberry. True period examples display meticulous hand-painted detail and slight raised texture in the white enamel work.