Tiffany & Co. Massive Antique Sterling Silver and Cut Glass Pitcher, 1902-1907

The combination of glass and sterling on such a large scale is quite an impressive display of art. A deeply hand-cut design of wheat and pinwheel/ starburst patterns make the body sparkle. A large polished pontil underneath signifies the American brilliant glass was hand-blown.

In order to distribute the weight of the glass on the handle, a strap around the lower section encircles the body and fits into a cut groove in the glass. This strap connects to the base of the scroll handle. The top sterling mount fitted over the glass collar is stunning.

A gracefully curved top rim is reinforced with an applied moulding. Underneath the spout is a bold depiction of Bacchus (the god of wine who was regarded as a symbol of hospitality during the Victorian era) with an expressive face and flowing beard and clusters of grapes in his hair. Emanating from his head are twisted vines with leaves and clusters of grapes with the silver being hand-chased for finer definition.

This exceptional pitcher is marked 'TIFFANY & Co/ MAKERS/ STERLING SILVER/ C'. The 'C' mark is representative of Charles T. Cook and was used on silver from 1902-1907 while he was company president. The pitcher measures 15.5 inches high and weighs 12 pounds. It is in very good antique condition with slight wear to the highlights, a small ding on the top of the silver collar and a couple very minor nicks to the glass.