An elegant jug in sterling silver 925, crafted in 1852 in Sheffield by the workshop of Henry Wilkinson & Co.. The baluster-shaped body is adorned with cast vegetal ornamentation of acanthus leaves, grape clusters and vines, characteristic of the Victorian decorative style of the mid-19th century. The relief spout is engraved with a heraldic crest and the motto “FORTITUDINE VINCIT” (“By courage he conquers”). The hinged lid is topped with a finely modelled grape cluster. The ornate handle is decorated with rocaille motifs, while the massive base features acanthus leaves and grape bunches in high relief.
Marks: Struck with full British hallmarks: maker’s mark HW & Co; crowned lion (sterling silver); leopard’s head (London); date letter “I” (1852); Queen Victoria’s profile (compulsory hallmark after 1838); and a crown. Additional workshop marks and ornamental stamps are integrated into the decoration.
Dimensions: Height: 32 cm; width: 13 cm; depth: 17 cm.
Weight: 764 g.
Condition: Excellent collector’s condition. Silver intact, with no deformations, losses or restorations. Even polish, hallmarks crisp and legible.
Provenance: Sheffield, England. Workshop of Henry Wilkinson & Co., 1852.
The silver jug by Henry Wilkinson & Co., created in 1852, reflects an important stage in the development of English decorative arts of the Victorian era. In the mid-19th century, silver production in Sheffield reached its peak, rivaling London workshops thanks to innovative metalworking technologies and a high artistic standard. Founded in the first half of the 19th century, Henry Wilkinson & Co. was among Sheffield’s most respected makers, renowned for their mastery in producing refined silverware both for everyday use and for grand ceremonial services.
The artistic decoration of this jug embodies the hallmarks of Victorian taste: a love of lavish ornamentation, meticulous attention to detail, and the symbolism of nature. The grapevine, with its rich associations of abundance, prosperity, and nobility, was a popular motif, emphasizing not only decorative effect but also cultural ties to classical antiquity.
The presence of a crest with the motto “Fortitudine Vincit” (“By courage he conquers”) indicates an aristocratic commission, as such pieces were often made specifically for Britain’s noble families. Jugs of this kind were frequently included in wine or water services and used at formal banquets, giving them both utilitarian and symbolic significance.
Today, silver by Henry Wilkinson & Co. is preserved in major British museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and represents a brilliant example of Victorian silverwork. The present jug demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship, combining technical perfection with artistic richness, and rightly occupies a place in the history of 19th-century British decorative arts.
The jug is preserved in superb collector’s condition: silver intact, surface finely polished, hallmarks crisp and clear, with minimal traces of use.
The jug is preserved in superb collector’s condition: silver intact, surface finely polished, hallmarks crisp, with only the lightest traces of use.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
