Antique Victorian Silver and Glass Novelty Cobra Claret Jug, 1895

Antique 19th Century Victorian solid silver & glass cobra snake shaped claret jug. The clear spiral-fluted tail ascends to an inverted baluster body, silver mounted with a scaled silver neck and hinged head with glass eyes. The silver interior is gilt, reflecting the luxururius attention to detail characteristic of the Victorian period. The piece is fully hallmarked at the neck and stamped with Registry number 260686.

Such pieces were part of a broader trend in Victorian Britain, where claret jugs featured a menagerie of animals, from cockatoos and owls to the more rare depictions of monkeys, walruses, and kangaroos. Hallmarked English Silver (925 Standard), London, year 1895 (U), Maker CS"FS (Saunders & Shepherd Ltd).

Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders and James Francis Hollings Shepherd started their firm of manufacturing jewellers and small workers in gold and silver in 1869. The elder Saunders died in 1890 and was succeeded by his son. Their premises were at 23-25 Bartlett's Buildings, Holborn Circus, near Lincoln's In Fields and the modern London Silver Vaults; by 1904 they were able to erect a modern factory and offices next-door.

CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE
Height: 24 cm // 9.45 in
Width: 11 cm // 4.33 in
Depth: 11 cm // 4.33 in
Weight: 935 g // 32.99 oz