This is a high quality cut lead crystal jug from the ‘Ludlow’ suite by Stuart Crystal.

The jug is of classic form with a round rim that is pulled out on one side to form the pouring spout. Either side of this are a row of notches along the edge of the rim that terminate before the attachment of the plain handle. Below the notches is a pair of horizontal wedge cuts. The body widens out from the rim to form a bulbous lower portion. This is cut with five large criss-crosses, the upper and lower limbs of which come in to close approximation. Each large cross is surmounted by a five-pointed fan. The space surrounding each large cross is overcut to form a lattice of flat-cut diamonds that extend down to the lower attachment of the handle. The body sits on a thick, discoid base that is star cut and marked on the edge with the words ‘STUART ENGLAND’.

It has a height of approximately 12.8cm, with a diameter across the rim of about 8.5cm and across the base of about 8.0cm. This piece can be seen in the 1954 Stuart Crystal catalogue and is described as a ‘quart jug’.

It is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks.