Wine jug
I believe it is sterling silver, highly decorated with animals and masks. It has a hinged lid and ornate handle.
Not sure. My dad collected all kinds of things. He mostly bought from Kasdens in Redondo beach in the 1970's.
Inherited
Yes
This is an antique English hallmarked 19th century, Victorian era, Renaissance Revival style sterling silver claret jug that was made in 1874 by Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd. Goldsmiths Alliance Ltd was a conglomerate of A B Savory & Sons and T C Savory & Co, aka Savory & Sons which was managed by Samuel Smily. They were active from 1865 - 1878. The t letter in chamfered cartouche is the year cipher for 1874. The SS is for Savory & Sons as well as Samuel Smily. The lion striding is for London. There is a high level of silversmith craftsmanship in this piece with the all-over detailed decoration that can be termed as horror vacui. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables.
Please add images of the inscription you mention
You can see it on the solid band in the 4th picture. I can also send a clearer picture.
I meant to write that it is a lightly carved inscription.
I just noticed that there is a highly carved inscription on this jug dating from 1930. Will this change the value?