‘J.S.&S’ was the mark for Joseph Sankey and Sons, a firm based in Bilston, Wolverhampton, who specialised in the manufacture of art metalware. Production seems to have started in the late nineteenth century and the firm registered designs, many in the art nouveau style, from 1896 to 1914. These ewers or pitchers were clearly a popular design to judge from the numbers found today but were referred to in the catalogues simply as ‘hot water jugs’. They were made in brass and copper in three finishes, hammered, lizard skin and art nouveau style, as here. At least six different sizes are known and sometimes the size number can be found on the base (indicating the number of pints the vessel would hold) along with the manufacturers mark, as is the case with the smaller ewer which is marked '2'. The larger ewer is only marked 'solid brass' but its height indicates its capacity which is six pints.

Popular in their day, these brass pitchers are highly sought after now for their obvious decorative appeal but clearly could also serve as flower vases providing a striking enhancement to an interior setting.