Antique Silver Cream Jugs
SILVER CREAM JUGS
This is not a silver cream jug, but a hot-milk jug. They were made between 1700 and 1725, the earlier ones often with side-handles, both round and octagonal. They are extremely
rare, especially the latter. They are often faked, so always get a reliable second opinion.
These are “pitcher” cream jugs - the earliest genuine type made from 1715 to 1745. The earlier ones have a lower foot, sometimes only a heavy rim, and are broader and squatter. The best ones have a heavy cast handle. Look for thin spots, torn cut handles, repairs round handles and lips. Should never be gilt inside.
This cream jug is of completely cast construction. They were made in a number of fanciful patterns, but the body is often shell-shaped. This example is very early in date - 1720 - but they are found until the 1740’s. Often they have only a maker’s mark. They are extremely rare.
Early three-legged type just before 1730. Always very heavy, sometimes of partly cast construction. Very sought after, owing to their rarity and also (practical point!) somewhat larger size, as pitcher cream jugs are always rather small. Sometimes octagonal ones are found.
Three-legged cream jug made from 1735-1770. They vary enormously in quality from very thin to very fine and heavy. The top edge should be reasonably thick - avoid it if it is thin and sharp. These jugs are always marked underneath - some degree of wear is acceptable, but all marks should be legible. From 1745-1765, the smaller ones are often embossed with farm-yard scenes, swans etc. Less desirable than plain ones, and care should be taken to distinguish original from later-embossed examples.
The three-legged Irish type - 1730 to 1770. Rib round the centre, foot under the spout (under the handle with English ones usually). Larger than English ones, so more practical.
Marked underneath, on side near handle or (rarely) under lip.
The embossed Irish type. Typical lion’s mask and paw feet 1745 - 1780.
Ordinary plain pear-shaped cream jug c.1770
Ordinary embossed pear-shaped cream jugs with original decoration.
Two helmet cream jugs of the type made from 1775 - 1805. Many of them are of a very light gauge, with punched bead edges, the bodies plain or engraved. Those with mounted edges are more valuable. They are marked under the lip, in the corners of the base, or on the side of the base. The handles have often been repaired at the top, and the centres of the shield erased.Cream jugs which are substantially larger than usual command higher prices. Being unusual, they are of rather fine quality, so they may be worth double or more than usual. This example is Irish, but the same applies.A typical flat-bottomed “service” cream jug. Usually marked under the lip or on the side, seldom underneath. 1795 - 1810.Regency type - about 1815. Usually excellent quality.
Some rather unattractive embossed silver began to be made after 1815, often by John Angell. This is a typical example. Chinese figures are often included in the decoration.
Victorian cream jugs are illustrated and discussed in the section on tea sets.
Tags: cream jug, decoration, English, Engraved, John Angell, jug, JUGS, lion, Marked, milk jug, pattern, silver, silver cream