A Lovely Victorian Period Crystal And Sterling Silver Wine Decanter, London 1855.

Crystal and sterling silver wine decanter, London 1855 A delightful Victorian wine decanter, made of blown crystal and mounted in sterling silver (925 thousandths). The body, made of perfectly transparent crystal and in excellent condition, has an elegantly curved baluster shape. The decoration is sumptuously adorned with a finely chased silver mount, in a rich neo-Renaissance style. The front face is enhanced by a superb mascaron representing a bearded faun's head with horns, with an expressive and realistic modeling. The reverse, meanwhile, presents a radiant female face, surrounded by a decoration of curled foliage. The whole is topped with a hinged lid, richly decorated and finished with a knob in the shape of a stylized flame. The handle, of great solidity, is worked in a perfectly executed play of volutes and acanthus leaves. The base is encircled with silver and ensures good stability. The carafe is in a remarkable state of preservation: no cracks, chips or alterations in the crystal, patinated and well-defined silver mount. A very beautiful collector's item, both decorative and functional. Characteristics: Period: Victorian Date: 1855 (date letter “U” – London) Origin: England, London Materials: Blown crystal and solid silver (925 thousandths sterling silver) Hallmarks: Lion passant (guarantee of sterling silver – 925 thousandths) Leopard (London hallmark) Date letter “U” (for 1855) Head of Queen Victoria (tax mark) Maker's mark: GI (attributed to George John Richards) Height: 28 cm Gross weight: 1.440 kg Condition: Very good condition; crystal intact; solid and well-preserved mount; perfectly stable handle