Pair of silver and crystal claret jugs by Victor Boivin

Each jug in the pair features an ovoid fluted glass body supported by a silver socle, the silver richly embossed with a variety of foliate motifs, including acanthus leaves and floral garlands. Each jug is mounted with an ornate scrolling silver handle, the silver finished with rich foliate detailing. The silver tops of each are similarly decorated, with each hinged lid opening to reveal a gilded interior.

The silver is fully hallmarked for Victor Boivin. Set to the front of each silver neck is a cartouche engraved with a thistle and an inscription in Latin reading ‘Non Inulius Premor’, which might loosely be translated as ‘I will not be injured unavenged’. The thistle and this motto relate to the city of Nancy in France, thus demonstrating a particular provenance.