Victorian silver plated Lions Head Champagne Bucket

Victorian Silver-Plated Champagne Bucket with Lion Mask Handles

A wonderfully decorative Victorian silver-plated champagne or wine bucket, dating to the late 19th century, with a strong classical influence.

The substantial tapered body is finished with an ornate foliate and scrollwork border, while the sides are embellished with particularly impressive lion mask mounts holding large drop-ring handles. Fine horizontal banding around the body and a stepped circular foot complete the elegant design.

Lion mask ring handles were a popular neoclassical motif on quality 19th-century wine coolers and tableware, giving pieces such as this a suitably grand country-house appearance. Comparable late-19th-century silver-plated wine coolers are also recorded with lion mask ring handles.

Date: Late 19th century, circa 1880–1900
Period: Victorian
Material: Silver plate
Features: Lion mask and ring handles, decorative foliate border and stepped circular base
Condition: Good antique condition with surface marks, light scratching and areas of tarnishing consistent with age and use. These form part of the character and patina of the piece.

A striking and highly usable piece of antique barware, perfect filled with ice and a bottle of champagne, or equally beautiful displayed with flowers. Its generous proportions and sculptural lion detailing make it a fabulous statement piece for a dining table, drinks trolley or home bar.

Measurements:
Height: 22cm
Diameter: 21cm
Width including handles: 24cm

Please note: as with all antique pieces, there may be minor signs of wear and imperfections commensurate with age.