Sparkling at every turn with brilliantly cut crystal and gleaming silverplate, we are pleased to present this magnificent Victorian Sterling & Cut Crystal Wine Pitcher recently found at market. Produced by the fine makers at Birmingham, England's William Henry Leather with a date mark for 1898, this stunning pitcher was crafted less than three years after the 1895 founding of Leather's firm. 

Often called Wine Ewers or Claret Jugs, these elegant pitchers came to prominence during the Georgian and Victorian eras. Most often utilized in wealthy households, where large quantities of wine were delivered to the home. Stored in grand wooden barrels, kitchen staff would decant wine from a barrel into a decorative pitcher for presentation on the dinner table. As the formalities of dining began to relax in the 20th century, the direct delivery of wine ebbed and bringing wine to the table in bottles became more acceptable, the use of these pitchers slowly declined.

Beautifully cut and magnificent in nature, this special pitcher with its brilliant crystal and sparkling silverplated lid and handle is captivating in every detail. A lovely vestige from the age of England's beloved Queen Victoria, it promises to become an highlight within your silver or entertaining collection. 

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good antique condition. 9"H x 6"W including handle.

Learn More About Wine Pitchers

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 wine pitcher or 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 these pitchers evolved over time, driven by the ever-changing whims of fashion. From highly ornate to whimsically designed in the shapes of animals, wine pitchers or 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.