Overview
A classic 'ice lip' water pitcher featuring a bulbous body, a cylindrical neck, and a functional guard across the spout.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic 'ice lip' water pitcher featuring a bulbous body, a cylindrical neck, and a functional guard across the spout.
Story
The 'ice lip' pitcher was the unsung hero of the mid-century American dinner party, engineered specifically to solve the messy problem of ice cubes splashing into a guest's glass.
Maker / Origin
While the specific maker's mark isn't visible, this style was perfected by American silver giants who transformed the domestic landscape by making high-quality silver plate accessible to the growing middle class.
Condition & Value
The surface appears highly reflective and well-maintained, suggesting the silver plating is largely intact. There are minor surface scratches consistent with age and use. If the plating shows 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through), the value would be at the lower end of the range. Excellent condition commands a premium.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375