Gorham Sterling and Yellow Cameo Glass Claret Jug or Decanter, Providence, RI, 1887

This is a lovely claret jug with stunning glass and decorative sterling mounts. The cover is a circular dome with ruffled bottom edge that fits over the neck of the body. The decoration of dense flowers and leaves is achieved by a technique called acid etching. The top is hinged on the back and has an unusual design whereby it attaches to the body and opens the cover when picked up and squeezed. The collar, which is attached to the glass and travels down the neck, is of lovely floral decoration matching the cover.

The glass is hand blown and has a polished pontil underneath. The soft yellow glass is a very rare color and the cameo treatment of the decoration is beautiful. One side of the decanter has lovely cameo flowers and leaves while on the other side, almost under the handle, is a large butterfly. Gorham had working relationships with both Stevens & Williams and Thomas Webb and this fine jug would have been made by one of them.

This rare and stunning claret jug/ decanter is marked with Gorham's trademark along with 'STERLING' and the date mark symbol for 1887. It measures 5.25 inches wide by 9.25 inches high and is in excellent antique condition.