Vintage 1924 Apollo Bernard Rice Silverplate Hammered Cocktail Pitcher w Stopper For Sale

From a huge collection of vintage barware, this is one of those wonderfully old-school pieces that immediately takes you back to the cocktail and entertaining culture of the late 1920s and 1930s.This was the era of Prohibition, speakeasies, jazz, Art Deco and increasingly elaborate home entertaining. Cocktail culture didn’t disappear during Prohibition—it moved behind closed doors, and stylish bar accessories became part of entertaining at home. By the 1930s, cocktail parties and dedicated barware had become an increasingly fashionable part of American social life. This handsome hammered silverplate pitcher fits beautifully into that world.Made in the USA by Bernard Rice’s Sons Inc. under its Apollo E.P.N.S. line, the pitcher has a fabulous hammered surface, tall geometric handle, angular spout and original cork-lined screw stopper.The underside is marked:APOLLO E.P.N.S.
MADE IN U.S.A.
BERNARD RICE’S SONS INC.
4339One of my favorite details is hidden inside the stopper: the metal fitting securing the cork is stamped “PAT’D MAY 13 1924.” Such a fun little piece of history that has survived with the pitcher for roughly a century.Approximate measurements:
10” tall
7.25” wide from handle to spout
3.5” diameter baseThe pitcher retains substantial natural patina, tarnish and surface wear from age and use. There is wear to the silverplate, and the original cork shows drying, cracking and deterioration consistent with its age. I have intentionally not polished it, leaving that decision to its next owner. Please see all photographs for condition.Whether displayed on a bar cart, mixed among cocktail books and glassware, or simply enjoyed as a sculptural piece of early American barware, it has tremendous character. A great survivor from the era when cocktail hour was becoming an event in itself.