Claret, a French wine, had become increasingly accessible in England by the late nineteenth century, prompting silversmith firms to produce a wide variety of jugs specifically for its enjoyment. Christopher Dresser designed many for the Birmingham-based manufactory Heath and Middleton (successor to Hukin and Heath, established 1855). In this example, Dresser played with form, coupling an elongated neck with a starkly straight ebony handle of equal length.