Stuart Crystal ‘Ellesmere’ Design Sherry Decanter with Original Sticker

This is a stunning example of a high quality cut lead crystal sherry decanter by Stuart Crystal. The body of the decanter is ovoid in form with a wide everted rim and a short waisted neck. The latter is cut with a series of eight panels that extend downwards onto the shoulder of the decanter. Below this are three circumferential wedge cuts. The main body of the decanter is cut with a complex design consisting of six curved fern fronds placed equidistantly around the body. Between adjacent fronds is a pair of deep leaf-shaped wedge cuts, edged with linear cuts. In addition, there is a further small leaf-shaped cut between the upper margins of the large cuts. Just below this design is a pair of circumferential wedge cuts. The decanter sits on a discoid foot, which is star cut. It is marked on the edge with the words ‘STUART ENGLAND’. The stopper tapers towards the apex, which is polished flat. It is cut with a series of eight panel cuts that extend over the waisted neck and finish just above the plain peg. The decanter bears its original paper label, which reads ‘STUART CRYSTAL ENGLAND’. This decanter can be seen in the 1954 Stuart Crystal catalogue. It has a height to the rim of approximately 23.0cm and a maximum height including the stopper of about 29.0cm. The foot has a diameter of about 9.0cm. This decanter is listed as having a liquid capacity of 2 pints, which works out at just over 1.1 litres. It is in excellent condition having never been used.