Crichton patented more than 34 animal-shaped silver and glass claret jugs between 1881-82 – his whimsical ideas based on the drawings of Sir John Tenniel for Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The mount to this jug, with glass eyes, has marks for London 1881.
The body was not in great condition (a foot was broken off and there were chips to the tail) but it is possible to have the glass elements remade.
Estimated at £1000-1500, it sold online for £4200.
Horn of plenty
Victorian silver and antelope horn table lighter by William Graeme – £2600 at Kingham & Orme.
Novelties were also a strong suit at Kingham & Orme (23% buyer’s premium) on March 5.
Sold in Worcestershire at £2600 (estimate £1200-1800) was a silver and antelope horn table lighter with marks for William Graeme, London 1883.
The fire-breathing dragon is the best known of these models but this one was realistically formed as a lizard with a tongue forming the wick.
