A rare and beautiful piece of both California and New York City wine history, an antique circa 1870-80s silver plated champagne bucket from J.L. Krisch. J.L. Krisch was a German merchant who owned a California wine store at 6 Rivington Street on Manhattan’s lower East side. Included with this bucket is an original antique invitation to an 1878 grape festival he held at his shop! The card is in German, but the text translates to:

J.L. Krisch
California Winehandler
6 Rivington Street
Vicinity Bowery, New York 

J.L. Krisch's Californian Grape Festival,
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14th, 15th and 16th, 1878,
6 Rivington Street.
You and your dear friends are politely invited to attend this celebration, as everything is on offer to ensure that my guests have an enjoyable evening.
Respectfully,
J. L. Krisch

In fantastic condition for its 150-ish years of age, plenty of small signs of use in the way of little surface marks, scratches and dimples, but no damage or signs of old repair. The silver plating is in lovely condition with mild wear and tarnish to the outside, some light discoloration and wear to the inside. Marked on the base as made by the Meriden Brittania Company, along with the wine merchant’s name. Measures approximately 9.25 inches tall by 8.25inches wide.