George III Antique English Sterling Silver Wine Ewer

• London, 1781 by Robert Hennell
• Dimensions: 12 1/4 inches height, 6 inches from handle to spout

The Silver Wine Ewer was first introduced in the late 17th century. Originally, ewers were used for washing fingers. A waiter would hold a basin in front of each dinner guest to wash their hands with rose water. At that time, people were eating with their hands and not utensils. As time progressed this practice was forgotten as silverware was introduced. In the Georgian era, ewers became water jugs before gradually taking on a more elaborate purpose – to serve wine. During the Victorian era, wonderful examples were produced, and these, along with Georgian examples (such as this one) are highly sought after by collectors and wine connoisseurs.

An elegant George III Antique English Sterling Silver Wine Ewer. It resides on a circular pedestal foot with a beaded edge which was the fashionable embellishment at that time. It is a classic form decorated with wonderful bands of bright-cut engraving. A pineapple finial tops off this exquisite piece of silver which is in pristine condition.