Pitcher 856A is sometimes called 'the melon pitcher' because of its shape and similarity to the fruit. Although it was initially designed as part of a set together with Bowl 856 A+B for serving strawberries, the bowl displaying the strawberries beautifully and the pitcher being a perfect size for the cream.The smooth top part of the pitcher is made out of a separate flat piece of silver which has been cut, bent and shaped to fit perfectly with the body before being soldered together. The handle is hollow and has been raised from another flat piece of silver. The handle has a line running down the middle which must be absolutely centred and straight – this can be a very time consuming adjustment for the silversmith. If it is not absolutely straight it will be disclosed immediately due to the lines on the body of the pitcher. The chaser accentuates these very straight and fine lines with his/her hammer and punches moving them in a steady and even movement over the silver.
