A lovely vintage sterling silver Napier "stepped" Jigger, 1930s. Napier made this jigger in both silver-plated and sterling. The sterling version is fairly scare and instead of a squared handle, has a curved handle. This measure features a gorgeous stepped or graduated design with 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 1 1 1/2 oz, and 2 oz etched into the jigger. Truly a gorgeous piece and the pinnacle of vintage Napier jiggers.
A quick bit of history on Napier: The Napier Company was named after its president, James H. Napier, who led the company from 1920 to 1960. But the company's history can be tracked back to 1875 when it was founded as Whitney and Rice in Attleboro, Mass., manufacturing silver products. The firm changed hands and name in 1882 and became Carpenter and Bliss and shortly thereafter, E.A. Bliss and Co., Inc. After rapid expansion in the late 1880s the company moved to Meriden, CT in 1890. After WWI, the firm shifted emphasis from silver products to production of modern jewelry. James Napier became president in 1920 and the company adopted the name Napier - Bliss Co. In 1922, the name was changed to Napier Company. Like many jewelry companies Napier got into lines of art objects and other utilitarian objects like cocktail shakers and jiggers. In the early to mid 1930s they started producing several cocktail shakers (most notably the "Dial a Drink shaker" and the Rooster motif shaker) other pieces of barware including this well-known graduated/stepped jigger.
Measurements: Approx 2 1/2" tall
Maker/year: Napier, 1930s
Hallmarks: Stamped "Sterling Napier Pat Pend" can be found on the bottom of the jigger
Condition: Very good vintage condition overall with very mild signs of age. Here's a complete summary:
1) There's very mild tarnish (we have not polished this piece)
2) There's minor general age and what we refer to as general "surface wear" (from past handling, how it was stored, etc)
3) There's a micro tiny nick on the very bottom edge of the jigger (it's so small/minor it was impossible to capture in a photo)
In short, this jigger is in very good vintage condition. Truly a magical antique bar measure.
**On shipping: We take our packaging very seriously and carefully wrap all pieces to ensure safe delivery.
****Important to note pre-purchase: Buyers, please examine all photos carefully as we cannot accept returns due to the fragile nature (the possibility of breakage when being shipped back) of our vintage/antique pieces. Our items are true vintage pieces that might have manufacturers flaws, flaws from age, or imperfections in general from being vintage. We try to explain the condition/description in an accurate and thorough manner but we ask that you please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions before purchasing an item as we are unable to accept returns due to the risk of breakage. Cheers!
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