Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Cream Jug and Sugar Bowl by John Wilmin Figg, London 1858

A finely crafted antique Victorian sterling silver cream jug and sugar bowl set by London silversmith John Wilmin Figg, fully hallmarked for London, 1858.

The matching pieces are formed as a compact tea-service pair, each raised on a circular collet foot and enriched with a warm gilt interior. The polished silver exteriors are decorated with finely engraved floral scrollwork, framed central cartouches and interlaced geometric borders. Both pieces bear the initials “M.M.” and the date “1859”, adding an appealing sense of personal history.

The cream jug has a rounded body, shaped pouring lip and loop handle, while the accompanying sugar bowl retains the same balanced profile and engraved ornament. Their matched design, attractive gilding and excellent condition make the set suitable for a curated silver collection, a formal tea setting or decorative display.

Details

Item: Antique cream jug and sugar bowl set

Maker: John Wilmin Figg

Assay Office: London, England

Date: 1858

Period: Mid-Victorian

Material: Solid sterling silver, .925, with gilt interiors

Hallmarks: Full London assay marks with maker’s mark I.F. for John Wilmin Figg

Decoration: Engraved floral scrollwork, central cartouches and interlaced geometric borders

Engraving: Initials “M.M.” and date “1859” on both pieces

Cream Jug: Approx. 4.5 cm high × 6 cm diameter

Sugar Bowl: Approx. 5 cm high × 9.5 cm diameter

Combined Silver Weight: 186 grams

Condition

Excellent antique condition. Both pieces have been personally inspected and are free from dents and cracks. The gilt interiors remain particularly attractive, with light surface wear consistent with age and careful previous use. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

John Wilmin Figg was a London silversmith active during the Victorian period. He was apprenticed to the manufacturing silversmith William Elliott in 1826, gained his freedom in 1833 and registered his first mark in 1834. His recorded work includes tea services, bowls, claret jugs, cruet stands and other table silver.

This matching cream jug and sugar bowl were assayed in London in 1858. The initials “M.M.” and the date “1859” suggest that the set may have commemorated a personal occasion, although its precise early history is not known. The original relationship between the two pieces, their gilded interiors and their finely engraved decoration give the set both practical and collector appeal.

Please Note

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.