Alvin. 999 Fine Silver Overlay Claret Jug with Stopper 9 inch Grapes and Leaves

  

With Stopper (stopper has chips). H 6.5 to handle. 4.25 widest diameter not including handle. Weight just shy of 2 pounds.

In 1886 Alvin patented a process for depositing pure silver on metallic and non-metallic surfaces. In this process the article was first coated with silver and afterwards a part of the coating was cut away, thus exposing the base, as in pierced work. Undoubtedly the most novel and at the same time artistic work turned out by this company is that known as electro-deposit goods.

This class of work was invented and brought to a state of commercial success by this firm. It is applied to decanters, perfume and toilet bottles, carafes, claret pitchers, flasks, perfume atomizers, and in fact an almost endless variety of articles of crystal glass. The process is guarded as a trade secret; but briefly it may be said that the article to be silvered is rendered metallic by a coating of silver deposited on the glass surface by the electric current.

When this operation is successfully completed, the article is shown completely encased in its covering of pure silver. The article is then taken in hand by skillful artisans who trace the most intricate designs on the silver surface.

The designs are of a continuous character and the intervening spaces are by another process cut away or removed, so as to expose the crystal surface in the interstices of the design. The article is then passed to the engraver, who richly embellishes the remaining surface. The engraved surface is then highly polished. No outstanding flaws seen to decanter.

The stopper is chipped in several areas. 999 silver overlay It has an intricate grapes, leaves and vines overlay with scroll work. We believe this to be an early Alvin Mfg. The Marker's Mark is quite worn but can see 999/1000 Fineness and number 3990 quite easily. The bottom of bottle is etched 56. No lifting or breaks in silver overlay. Scuff may be evident as to be expected but does not deter from its beauty. We would consider this to be in very good used condition with signs of wear commensurate with age and use.

Please take a moment to review all photos as an important part of condition and description. More photos available upon request. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask! Thanks for looking and all reasonable best offers will be considered! Overall, well taken care of & beautifully treasured!

Please see all photos as an important part of condition and description. Great piece to add to your collection! What you see in photos is what you get. Please keep in mind that our items are most often vintage or antique, sometimes many decades or even a century old, so they will show some signs of wear and usage.

These are not mint items from the factory (unless we specifically say so). We include in our descriptions any issues that are significant. Items are as is and pictured with only light cleaning/dusting if not otherwise stated.

If you have any concerns, please ask! We want to ensure that your item arrives safely and satisfactorily.

Is expensive, it's even more when you do it the right way. We always ensure items - even large parcels - are securely wrapped in bubble wrap with packing peanuts to ensure added safety.

We would never intentionally misrepresent anything and try to describe all items to the best of my ability. Most of what I offer is used, vintage or antique and their condition will reflect that.