What was a victorian wine jug used for?

These vessels were brought to the dining table to serve claret, port, or other wines during formal meals. They allowed hosts to decant wine from storage bottles prior to pouring. The hinged lids kept dust out while wine sat on the sideboard or table between courses. They also functioned as decorative centrepieces reflecting the host's social standing.

How can I tell sterling silver from silver plate?

Examine the metal mounts for British hallmarks indicating town, date letter, and maker's mark. Sterling silver carries stamps such as a lion passant indicating standard purity. Silver plate often lacks these official assay marks or displays maker initials alongside numbers designating plating thickness. Look closely around the rim for wear where the base metal shows through.

What is the difference between cranberry glass and crystal?

Cranberry glass is a transparent red glass coloured by the addition of gold chloride during the melting process. It gained popularity for decorative decanters and tableware during the mid nineteenth century. Crystal refers to clear glass containing lead oxide, which increases weight, brilliance, and resonance when struck. Crystal pieces are typically heavier and more refractive than standard soda-lime glass.