Antique Tilting Ice Water Pitcher and Goblet by Meriden Britannia Co 1860s

Superb antique tilting ice water pitcher set by Meriden [CT] Britannia Company dating from the early Victorian period and exhibiting the design characteristics exemplified by the “cult of beauty” of the Aesthetic Movement (1860-1900): “art for art’s sake.”  The set is truly a showpiece; it consists of four separate components: pitcher, stand, drip pan, and goblet, each described below.  Feel free to ask questions and/or request additional photos.

(1) PITCHER: The pitcher features heavy ornamentation, both etched and in relief, featuring birds on the spout, bands of flowers and geometric designs on the body, handle, and lid finial, as well as acanthus leaf motifs and “fancy” etched designs.  The interior is lined with porcelain to retain the contents’ temperature (which we assume can be cold or hot) and includes filtering holes at the spout.  It’s about 14″ tall x 6.5″ diameter at the base, holds 44 fl. oz. , and weighs 5.10 lbs.  Marked “Meriden B Company [see history below], Meriden Britannia, 60 Quadruple, Meriden CT,” and “Pat’d June 13, 1868” and “Pat’d Nov. 3d 1868” along with the number “31.”  Excellent structural condition; very good used antique condition overall with uneven patina (dark and light areas), scuffs and scratches consistent with age and previous use.  A small knob as the bottom is meant to act as a stop against the inside of the stand; however, the stand is slightly out of square causing the bottom of the pitcher to rub on one side and not touch the stop on the other; it tilts and stands upright properly.

(2) STAND: The stand is also heavily ornamented with ribbons, lily of the valley flowers, scrolls and acanthus leaves.  The floral and geometric design of the pitcher is repeated along the bottom.  There’s a “hook” on one side to hold the goblet and a cutout on the bottom to hold the drip pan.  It measures about 10.25″ tall x 12 1/8″ side to side x 7.75″ front to back at the base.  It weighs 3.4 lbs.  Excellent used antique condition with even finish; the uprights are slightly out of square.

(3) DRIP PAN: Called a “slop” in the 1897 issue of the Sears & Roebuck catalog, this pan is meant to catch drips.  It measures 6.25″ in diameter, plus a 1.75″ acanthus-leaf “handle.”  It weighs 11 oz. and is marked “Meriden B Company” and “31.”  Good used antique condition; the interior has a faded slightly golden finish and the plating is pitted and scratched.  When in place, this is covered by the pitcher.

(4) GOBLET: The goblet repeats the design motifs seen in the pitcher.  It measures 6.25″ tall x 3″ diameter at the base and 2 7/8″ diameter at the rim.  It weighs 10 oz.  Marked “Meriden B Company 197.”  The interior shows wear and discoloration; recommend using for decor only.  The exterior has a mostly even finish, with the expected scuffs, scratches and small areas of heavy tarnish.  Overall, very good antique condition.

SUMMARY: We’ve cleaned all the pieces; the dark areas on the pitcher are probably there to stay, adding lots of character.  If left as is, the finish will once again darken throughout.  Total weight before packing: 10 lbs. 5 oz.  Overall dimensions with all components in place: 17.5″ tall x 14″ side to side x 11″ front to back.

HISTORY (from online sources): The Meriden Britannia Company was founded in 1852 in Meriden, CT, as a manufacturer of Britannia metal wares. Britannia metal is a specific type of pewter alloy favored for its silvery appearance and smooth surface; it’s typically composed of tin, antimony and copper.  By 1876, the Meriden Britannia Company had grown a great deal; it won a first place medal for plated wares at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.  According to Sotheby’s in New York, ‘The publicity of the award and the impression the firm made on the fair’s 8 million visitors was continued by the catalogues and other intensive marketing; by the end of the 1870s, Meriden Britannia Co. was considered the largest silverware company in the world.’  By 1891, it had warerooms in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, London and Paris.  In 1896 it became part of the International Silver Company based in Meriden.  Examples of Meriden Britannia’s designs are included in several museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert in London.

SHIPPING: $25 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes.  For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.

A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

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