Silver Claret Jug

A silver claret jug is a wine jug made of glass and silver for the so-called claret, which is a French Bordeaux wine.

Claret jugs were produced from about 1830 to 1920 and are nowadays very collectible. The majority were made of cut (sometimes frosted) glass. The silver mounted tops incorporated hinged lids, and handles that extended down halfway or to the base. The mounts were often engraved or chased, and the glass bodies were found in many different shapes and varying ornamentation. Some earlier examples were made entirely of silver. The level of craftsmanship and their aesthetic qualities determine their value. Unusual jugs, such as those made by Charles Edwards or Christopher Dresser, or examples with fine engraved scenes, may command high prices.