Antique 18th Century French Pewter Water Jug or Pitcher Spout and Applied Handle
Description: Beautiful antique pewter water pitcher or jug. The jug has a round footed base with a barrel like shape on the bottom supporting a tall cylindrical neck ending in a flared rim. The top of the jug has a spout and an applied handle opposite the spout. The jug is marked VG on top of the handle which we believe are the initials of its proud owner in the 18th century. Item 802 in "Pewter of The Western World 1600-1850" by Peter Hornsby and published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd in Exton PA in 1983 is identical to this Jug and is identified as a "Typical French eighteenth century water jug". The jug is very simple in construction and very plain with no decoration. A great piece of old pewter that is over 250 years old that is in great shape. It is rather unusual in form and age and would display nicely in your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Possibly mid 18th century and could be older.
Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The piece was most likely made in France.
Size: The jug is ~6 5/8" high with the base being ~3 3/4" in diameter, and the pitcher is ~5 3/4" at its widest point including the spout and tha handle. The pitcher weighs slightly over one pound and 14 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice antique and well documented piece of pewter with unusual form, which would display very well in your collection.
Condition: This jug is in good used condition. It has no breaks, cracks, or repairs. The exterior has a nice warm gray age patina. It is soiled and could use a good cleaning, which we leave to the discretion of the new owner. The surface has a few minor scratches and the top rim has a couple of small nicks as does the edge of the base. The barrel portion of the jug has a light bump which is difficult to see but is there. The top of the pitcher is a bit distorted and is out of round but all in all the piece is in good shape and looks great after being around for over 250 years. Please view photos for additional condition information.
