An exceptionally rare Victorian novelty silver claret jug, m...

Hammer

£30,000

An exceptionally rare Victorian novelty silver claret jug, marked for Sampson Mordan, London 1882, realistically modelled as Punch and Judy's dog 'Toby', with fur effect chasing and amber-coloured eyes (one possibly replaced), the head hinging open at the neck and snout, 23.1cm high, weight 34.04 ozt

More Information

Overall condition is good. As noted, one of the eyes is suspected to be a later replacement - please see the additional images noting the different finishes on the reverse of each eye. The pin in the hinge of the muzzle is present, but is loose and freely moves back and forth when nudged. As a result, the muzzle does wobble. The muzzle does not sit flush to the lower jaw. The hinge to the reverse of the ruff is in good order, however does seem a little crude and may have repaired or reinforced at some stage. The cover itself opens smoothly, however the top of the ruff does not sit flushly on the lower section of ruff (see the additional images of this). There appear to be some minor areas of creasing to the inside of the ruff, when the cover is lifted. There is some tarnishing to the gilt interior of the head, particularly at the contact points between the ruff and the neck. The monarch's mark, date letter lion passant and city crest are clear to the exterior body and the inside of the head, but both maker's marks are a little more worn. The condition of the exterior body is good, with an overall ‘pewter’ lustre. Some general scratching consistent with age and light use. There are some relatively heavy scratches to the base around the feet and tail (when the piece is viewed upside down) consistent with age. There do not appear to be any signs of major denting, splitting or repair work to the body. Please contact us if you require any further images or detail.