The Victorian era, named for England’s Queen Victoria, was an age that delighted in ceremony, beauty, and the art of gracious entertaining. A proper Victorian table glittered with specialized serving pieces designed for every imaginable course and beverage, each one elevating even the simplest ritual into an occasion.

Case in point: this striking Antique Silverplate and Cut Glass Claret Jug, found at market in England. Rising in an elegant tapering form, the brilliantly cut body is richly faceted in a handsome diamond pattern that catches and scatters the light beautifully. Crowning the sparkling vessel, the gleaming silverplate mount lends a dramatic sculptural flourish in the form of an exotic camel-form handle, its elongated body gracefully curving downward to meet the body of the jug. Opposite, the elegantly shaped spout and finial-topped hinged lid complete the silhouette with refined balance and grandeur.

During the Victorian period, claret jugs such as this were designed for serving red wines—particularly the Bordeaux wines so beloved by English society—with elegance and ease. The cut crystal body allowed the rich ruby tones of the wine to shimmer through candlelight, while the fitted lid helped protect the contents during lengthy dinners and lively conversation.

At once functional and wonderfully theatrical, this exceptional jug brings all the romance of the Victorian dining table to modern entertaining. Whether employed for wine, chilled water, or simply displayed as a sculptural decorative object, it is certain to lend a note of old-world glamour and conversation-starting charm to any collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 4"L x 5 1/4"w x 11 1/2"H.

Learn More About Claret Jugs

For most of the 18th century, wines were either served out of solid silver pitchers, or from glass decanters and bottles. Most wealthy households purchased wines in casks which were stored in the cellar, from which the head butler would decant into the appropriate serving vessel prior to the meal.

It was not until the early 19th century when glass manufacturing developed sufficiently that wines were bottled at the source in uniform bottles. This probably explains the sudden appearance of silver mounted claret jugs from about 1830 onwards. As the use and storage of wine became easier, and as the industrial revolution produced a larger consumer class yearning for finer living and drinking, so the demand and consumption of wine grew and with it the need for new conventions, customs and accessories. 

To that end, the claret jug was introduced throughout Europe in the early 19th century when silversmiths embellished glass decanters with silver mounts, lids and handles.

The design and style of claret jugs evolved over time, driven by the ever-changing whims of fashion. From highly ornate to whimsically designed jugs in the shapes of animals, claret jugs reflected the desires of a society to display their new-found wealth and taste for the finer things of life.

Learn More About Claret

Before “claret” was the nickname for Bordeaux wines, it meant “clear,” “pale” or “light-colored” wine (“claret” being derived from the Latin word for “clear”). This is back in the 14th and 15th centuries, when wines from Bordeaux were actually paler, almost like rosés. In the late Middle Ages, “claret” also referred to a heated wine poured over a bag of spices.

The first known references to “claret” as dark red Bordeaux wines were in the 1700s by the British trade. History buffs will recall that France and England were at war during this period, and it was right around then that the English started seeking out Portuguese wines to satisfy their thirst.

These days “claret” is used as a generic way to refer to Bordeaux wines - or wines styled after Bordeaux.