Exceptional Pair of Decanters

A superbly elegant tall (16") pair of decanters modelled as hunting horns; but also reminiscent in design of the Royal Trumpeters' instruments. The mounts and collars with marks for the noted Victorian silversmiths John Thomas Heath and John Hartshorne Middleton whose firm, Hukin and Heath, rendered many of the designs of Dr Christopher Dresser whose influence can be clearly seen in these remarkable pieces. Both the silver lids are beautifully engraved with gartered crests for Robertson 'Virtus Gloria Merces' (Glory is the reward of Valour) and Aikman 'Sub Robore Virtus' (Virtue under Strength) and it is most likely that the decanters marked the marriage of Col.Thomas Stokes George Hugh Robertson-Aikman to Constance Henrietta Middleton in 1899.

Hallmarked Birmingham 1896 and 1897 and retailed by the silversmiths Riat of Glasgow.

Dimensions 42 cm/16½ inches (height) x 17 cm/6¾ inches (base diameter)