Sterling silver claret jug

Maker S Smith and W Nicholson

Date1860s

Object number00034277

NameJug

MediumSterling silver

Dimensions335 x 130 x 130 mm, 910 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Francis Pinel

Terms

DescriptionThis sterling silver claret jug was presented to John Pinel Esquire by the Committee of the Sydney, New South Wales Anniversary Regatta of 1863. Pinel offered his ship TIP TREE at the committee's disposal as flagship for the Regatta, 26 March 1863 . The claret jug was made in England by S Smith and W Nicholson and is decorated with a silver filigreed and grapevine pattern. It has a fine mouth and attached lid.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating in the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting occasion as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment in Sydney. Sites around the foreshore provided a place for spectators to gather and have picnics, while night time entertainment was provided with dances and recitals. The Anniversary Regatta was first held in 1837 after a group of citizens from Sydney decided to celebrate the landing of the First Fleet on 26 January 1788. The regatta consisted of rowing and sailing races and always had a flagship, usually a merchant ship or passenger liner. This social and sporting event was very popular with the public who took picnic refreshments to the foreshore and attended balls and recitals in the evening.SignificanceThis jug is representative of 19th century Australian regatta presentations.