Victorian Oak and Silverplate Presentation Jug & Cups

Found at an antiques market in northern England, we are thrilled to present this aesthetically stunning and historically significant Victorian Oak and Silverplate Jug and Drinking Cups presented to Major Robert Lawrence Thornton CBE (1865-1947) on the occasion of his 21st birthday. 

As handsome as it is rare, this matching set was expertly coaxed from English oak by fine artisans who paired the beautifully grained wood with bold yet romantic silver work, eschewing the heavy Victorian ornamentation styles of the time for a more contemporary design. Produced in Birmingham, England by the revered John Grinsell and Sons with additional showrooms in London and Glasgow, pieces by Grinsell are easily recognized by their memorable trademark 'Cupid Standing on a Scroll,' registered in 1879.

First associated with Sussex following the death of his paternal grandfather in 1870, Thornton's parents relocated their growing family to the High Cross Estate, near Framfield, acquiring the former home of Sir Thomas Dyer, 9^th Baronet. Young Robert was educated at Cheam School, near Sutton and continued his studies at Eton College. With further education at Trinity College, Cambridge as a “pensioner” not financially supported by the university, he graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in 1887, and transitioned into the law profession with admittance to the bar in 1888. Thornton went on to gain an additional M.A. at Trinity while also serving as a Lieutenant and later Captain of the 3^rd Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment (Sussex Militia). 

Presented by the workers at High Cross as a token of esteem on the occasion of young Thornton's coming of age in 1886, it appears no expense was spared in securing this fine commission. Although somewhat challenging to view in the alternate images, the impressive jug's gleaming lid still bears the intricate dedication:

Presented to Robert Lawrence Thornton by Those Employed on the High Cross Estate Framfield Sussex on His Coming of Age 17, September 1886

Beautifully complementing the pitcher's sparkling silver bands and gleaming lid with its spherical oak finial, a majestic figural spout extends from the jug like the elaborate figurehead adorning a ship's bow. The dazzling hinged lid, bold handle and trio of bun feet create a bright and shining contrast to the richly stained wood. Two accompanying silver-lined drinking cups proportionately replicate the clean silhouette of the beverage pitcher, complete with their own bun feet, bands encircling the rim, and crested medallions bearing imagery significant to the Thornton lineage.

Upon the death of his father in 1891, Robert Thornton relocated his own young family from Kingston-upon-Thames to take up residence and management of the High Cross Estate much as his father had decades before. Holding dozens of civic and community positions throughout his lifetime, Thornton was most notably invested as the High Sheriff of Sussex by HM Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in 1900 and recognized in the January 1920 Civilian War Honors with an elevation by King George V to the rank of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Robert Lawrence Thornton died at High Cross Estate in March 1947. Following the death of his wife Charlotte in 1961, High Cross House with its accompanying 150 acres was eventually converted to a nursing facility operational until 1983, when the historic home was destroyed by fire. The derelict property was later acquired by the internationally notorious Nicholas van Hoogstraten, who ordered construction of 'Hamilton Palace,' a home designed to be the largest in Britain. With construction stalled amidst substantial local opposition, the project is currently on hold and the utopian palace stands as an eerie monument, largely uncompleted.

With a storied family provenance covering 150 years of English history at High Cross Estate, this extraordinary find promises to make an impressive addition to any collection. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1886. In very good antique condition. Jug measures 10.25"H x 4.5" in diameter. Cups measure 4.75"H x 2.75" in diameter.