1880. Small silver-plated jug, 16 cms tall, 12cms from spout to outer handle; elegantly and elaborately engraved with floral design and presentation lettering; some slight wear to interior gilding and inner base slightly pitted and scratched, with some light surface wear and darkening in a couple of places, but otherwise a most appealing survivor. A charming survivor. A most elegantly engraved presentation silver-plated jug given to ‘Mrs Baggally’, by the ‘Members of the Female Sick Club in recognition of her valuable services in its behalf and of her untiring interest in the welfare of its members, Jany 25th 1880’. Sick Clubs, together with friendly societies, benefit and burial clubs, were locally established mutual aid organisations that emerged during the Industrial Revolution and continued well into the 19th century. At a time when there was no state provision for the poor, they grew in popularity and provided much needed help to working class families during times of need. More commonly aimed at working men, both in factories and in farming communities, gradually a number of sick clubs for women were established, though these were often overseen by a male committee and actuary. A few appear to have been run by wealthier philanthropic women, who were able to devote the time to running such clubs that working women could not. Ultimately, though friendly societies remain in existence to this day, many sick clubs were disbanded, having underestimated the funds required and the increasing needs of an ageing working population.
We have so far been unable to find any further information about Mrs Baggally. That the jug has been made in Sheffield may suggest a link, though the firm were nationally established with links to London. A report of Female Friendly Societies in the Insurance Cyclopaedia of 1876 (p. 579) does mention a Sheffield Friendly Society, and noting that it was managed by women.