Late Victorian Sterling Silver Cream Jug by Nathan & Hayes, Birmingham 1888, Floral Repoussé Design

An attractive late Victorian sterling silver cream jug by Nathan & Hayes, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1888. This early example from the Birmingham silversmiths has a softly rounded body with vertical fluting to the lower section, a richly embossed floral repoussé band and an elegantly curved handle. The elongated pouring lip and balanced proportions give the jug a refined decorative presence while retaining its practical original purpose as a small table cream or milk jug.

The clearly struck English silver hallmarks include the Nathan & Hayes maker’s mark, the lion passant for sterling silver, the Birmingham anchor, the date letter “o” for 1888 and the Queen Victoria duty mark. The jug is particularly appealing as an early Nathan & Hayes piece, made during the formative period of the partnership.

Details

• Item: Antique Victorian cream jug / milk jug
• Maker: Nathan & Hayes — George Nathan and Ridley Hayes
• Origin: Birmingham, England
• Date / Period: 1888, late Victorian era
• Material: Sterling silver
• Silver Purity: .925 sterling silver
• Hallmarks: Nathan & Hayes maker’s mark, lion passant, Birmingham anchor, date letter “o” and Queen Victoria duty mark
• Style: Victorian English silver
• Decoration: Floral repoussé band with lower vertical fluting
• Height: Approximately 7.5 cm
• Weight: 66.2 grams

Condition

Very good antique condition for a sterling silver jug of this age. The piece retains its attractive form and detailed floral decoration. There is age-related surface wear, light scratching, patina and some darker areas within the fluting and interior, consistent with careful use over more than 130 years. Please review the photographs closely for the full condition and decorative detail.

Historical and Collector Context

Nathan & Hayes was the partnership of Birmingham silversmiths George Nathan and Ridley Hayes. Reference records show that the firm used several registered marks from the late 1880s onward, with one Nathan & Hayes mark registered in May 1888. The business operated from Icknield Street and Institute Works in Howard Street, Birmingham, and was acquired by S Blanckensee & Son Ltd in 1917 following the retirement of George Nathan.

The British Museum records Nathan & Hayes as makers of reproduction silver inspired by historic and archaeological discoveries, including pieces based on material from Mycenae and Assyria. Although this cream jug follows a more traditional Victorian tableware form, its 1888 hallmark gives it added collector interest as an early example from the partnership.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. We are happy to provide further details or images on request.