Antique Wine Jug

[kilkenny]

Wondering if anyone can help with identification?

This note was taped underneath it:
"This wine jug belonged to the Andrew Mellon family. Mr Mellon willed one to his housekeeper, Mrs. Redinger - she gave it to nephew Chaz. Redinger and he gave it to P.C.Clarity and she gave it to me - 1983."

This was handwritten so some of the names were difficult to decipher...like Chaz.

It looks like it has a metal inlaid all around it. Silver?

Here are photos.

[mart]

How did you come to have this jug ?? Bought, inherited   Andrew Mellon was a wealthy banker, industrialist as well as Sec. of Treasury for three presidents !! I would not doubt that the metal overlay is silver !! Don`t lose that note because it is the provenance for the jug !! Just need to prove it belonged to Mellon !! He died in 1937 so its probably an old piece and would have been part of his extensive art collection !!

[kilkenny]

I inherited it from my Grandmother 10 years ago. The note was written by her in 1983...maybe that's also when she got it?

She had a lot of high society friends. I thought she might have gotten it from one of her good friends in spain because the cork says "Champion Portugal" on it.

I know nothing else about it unfortunately. I'd love to get it appraised though...by someone who would know about these things?

What's the marking on the bottom?

ps: the note is in the picture next to the jug. The jug is 7" by 7".

[mart]

CAC, from what I found, was made by Lennox with the silver overlay by Gorham Silver !!  Most are listed as wine or cider jugs and is likely from around 1900 !! The cork could have been made anywhere I guess !!  I would get an appraisal on it but make sure you take the note with it, the note is the important part !!  It could prove that it came from Andrew Mellons art collection which can add to the value !!

[kilkenny]

I'm in the North Bay area of San Francisco. Where could I find an appraisal service? How much can I expect to pay for the appraisal?

Thanks!

[mart]

If you ask at most major museums they can help you with an appraiser !!  I am in Texas so I have no clue about your area !!  Might also check Yellow Pages but be sure that it is a certified appraiser !!  Try the museums first if possible !! A few of the good auction houses offer an appraisal service !! I will look and see if I can find one for you !!  Of course they would want to handle the sale of the item if you are going to sell it !!

[mart]

https://www.christies.com/services/auction-estimates/   Here is a link to Christie`s appraisal service !!  Just follow the instructions and take the best pics you can !! Also take a pic of the note that is good enough for them to read !!  Just thought I would ask but there is no damage to this jug is there !! That would take away from the value !! You also need to add that your grandmother was the one that received it since the note doesn`t say specifically !! And I do not think there is a charge for this service by Christie`s !! But like I said if you are going to sell it, that might be your best bet for top dollar !!

[frogpatch]

Portugal was known and is still known for its production of fine Sherry and Port which is marketed by companies in other countries. A well known example is Harvey's Bristol Cream from England. In the 19th century expensive decanters were used to market fine spirits. This may have been an example.  One of my educated guesses. 

[sapphire]

Ditto on mart's CAC/Lenox...... Ceramic Art Company/Lenox Incorporated

http://www.steinmarks.co.uk/pages/pv.asp?p=stein134

These two stamps date prior to 1896, when it was changed to include Lennox below

[mart]

One more thing,, the bottles that were produced with this mark and had the overlay were done in sterling silver rather than a plated silver !! So could be a few dollars in that jug !! You might also email the Mellon Foundation for more documentation !! Your grandmother must have known the bottle had value and that is why she wrote the note !!  Ordinarily one would not do this because someone gave it to them, except that it was important to know where it came from and how she acquired it !!

[kilkenny]

Great information here. Thank you all very much!

The jug is in perfect condition. Looks like it hasn't been used in it's entire life.

I'll try Christie's and get back to this thread afterwards.

[mart]

Please do us know what they say !! I would love to know !!

[kilkenny]

Following up way too late here. I ended up getting too busy with other stuff and forgot about this. Just curious if anyone would have any other information or know where I could go to get this appraised or sold. Thanks.

[bigwull]

free appraisals here  good service by good Weegies...


http://www.greatwesternauctions.com/

[Ipcress]

I think we're looking at low four figures here. It's a scarce piece even without the provenance.
If someone believes the history then...
Apparently Mellon hardly ever drank but would obviously entertain guests who did.

Lenoc's CAC did produce items for the White House.

Tamara Mellon - Jimmy Choo - was married to his great-great-grandnephew, Matthew.

Lots of potential there