Antique Silverplate Tilting Pitcher, Stand & Cup-Meriden Brittania-Birds-Flowers

Description

Offered is this antique silverplate tilting water pitcher, stand and cup, made in Meriden, Connecticut by the Meriden Brittania Co. The pitcher has an ornate three-dimensional flowered handle, etched flowers and leaves on the sides, a top band of flowers and birds and a lower narrow band of star-like shapes. This was obviously given as a silver wedding anniversary gift; there is a 3-letter monogram engraved above the words “25th anniversary”. The stand has a wider band with a band of flowers and birds that matches the one on the pitcher and a platform to hold the cup and ornate filigree sides. The cup has etched flowers and leaves on two sides and a narrow band of star-like shapes matching the one on the pitcher. In addition to the company logo and “quadruple plate” the bottoms of both the cup and pitcher are marked “71”, probably an item or pattern number. This dates to some time in the last half of the 1800s-I don’t know exactly when, but the company was founded in 1852 and became part of International Silver in 1898.
The stand is approx. 19″ high, about 11″ from front to back, including the cup platform, and approx. 8″ across. The pitcher is about 11 1/2″ high, including the finial, and about 10 1/4″ across from handle to spout. The cup is about 3 5/8″ high and about 3″ in diameter at the bottom. Overall, the set is in good condition for its age. Much of the plating remains, but there are areas of wear, and some of the most ornate areas have not been polished. The only damage to the metal I see is at the top of the stand handle, where two of the tiny balls near the top are missing, as well as a tiny missing piece in the exact middle at the top of the handle. There are a few dents in the pitcher and the cup is slightly out of round at the top. Neither the inside of the cup nor the pitcher have been cleaned or polished.
Because of the size and weight of this set, shipping will be rather high. I would welcome in-person pickup by anyone close enough to make it feasible.
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