I am delighted to add another sterling silver piece by Christopher Dresser to the Collection. To my mind he is without doubt the father of both modern and commercial design.  Pieces that are unequivocally designed by Dresser and of the period in sterling silver are rare.

This claret jug is a beautiful, elegant piece, and of course surprisingly modern.  It is fully hallmarked for Hukin and Heath London 1881, rewardingly this is the same year as the design registration, this model being registered in May 1881.  This jug also carries that registration mark.

Hukin and Heath plated versions of this design are rare, sterling silver pieces like this one, are even  rarer. For identical silver plated versions with wooden handles see “Christopher Dresser, A Design Revolution” by Michael Whiteway, page 147 and Harry Lyons’ “Christopher Dresser, The People’s Designer” page 200.  This is a variant of model 2267, having a silver, rather than ebony, handle that is a feature of another Dresser claret jug design for Hukin and Heath.  See the Collection stock number A785

Condition is excellent.  Hallmarks are crisp. There are tiny imperfections in the glass which are original to manufacture.  The glass retains good clear clarity – not so evident from my photography that uses flash.

Price range: Sold

Maker: Hukin and Heath

Designer: Christopher Dresser

Date: 1881

Marks: H&H, Birmingham, “g”, diamond registration mark

Material: Sterling silver, glass

Condition: Excellent

Size: 21.5 cm tall

Weight: NM