Pair of silver and crystal glass claret jugs by Devaux

Each jug stands on a silver foot which is edged with a leaf-and-dart band and its top gadrooned. The jugs’ feet support ovoid crystal glass bodies which have been finely cut with petalled forms. The jugs are mounted with silver necks and spouts which are decorated with stylised anthemion motifs, rosettes, foliate bands and fluting.

The spouts are covered by hinged lids which are topped by pinecone finial handles. The interiors are gilded, creating a beautiful contrast with their silver exteriors. The jugs’ necks are mounted with looping silver handles which are decorated with stylised foliage and flowers.

The jugs are fully hallmarked and bear the initials of Paul Devaux, an important silversmith who was active from 1902-1920 at 11 rue Elzévir in Paris.