An exceptionally beautiful Pewter Claret Jug, made by AK & Cie in the early 1900s.
Classic Secessionist, Art Nouveau Metalwork featuring a pair of Maiden Heads sat on both sides of the base and with a Green glass body. Excellent antique condition, no damage to the glass; the metalwork has a matt finish with good patina and could be polished to a brighter finish if desired.

Signed AK & Cie on one of the feet and illustrated in the 1906 WMF UK catalogue (see pictures), although this item has a different stopper to the one shown in the catalogue, it is certainly the original and matching. AK & Cie (Albert Köhler und Cie) was the Austrian subsidiary of WMF acquired in 1900.

WMF is the abbreviation for Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, which in English means Wurttemberg Metalware Factory. The history of this foundry is well documented. WMF was created in 1880 after the successful merger of two Wurttemberg foundries, the Geislingen factory belonging to Daniel Straub (Straub & Sohn) and the Esslingen factory of Alfred Ritter (A. Ritter & Co.).