Australian Sterling Silver Ewer, Learmonth Coursing Cup, 1875
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An Australian sterling silver ewer, presented as the 'Learmonth Coursing Cup', 1875, Kilpatrick & Co., Melbourne, 1875, the globular body with tall neck and loop handle raised on a spreading foot, the handle modelled as a woody grape vine stem with applied leaves and tendrils spreading from its terminals, the cover mounted with a figure of a standing greyhound, a similar figure of a greyhound modelled in relief within a reserve to one side of the body, its other side with engraved inscription 'Learmonth Coursing cup / 1875 / the gift of G.G. Morton Esq. / won by / 'Banner' / owner / D. Gunn Esq. J.P.', marked to the edge of the foot Stirling [sic] Kilpatrick silver, 29 cm high, 539g
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- Engraving - The method of decorating or creating inscriptions on silver and other metal objects by marking the surface with a sharp instrument such as a diamond point or rotating cutting wheel.
- Ewer / Pitcher - A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.
In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..
Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body. - Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
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