Table Decoration

In many countries the art of table decoration is highly prized and nothing can be more beautiful than an antique centrepiece bowl filled with fresh flowers or a silver table epergne gracefully decked with sweets and candies. Smaller accessories, such as menu holders, napkin rings, cutlery rests and spoon trays, will add the finishing touches to a table display. Silver table birds make a marvellous talking point.

Browse our collection of antique silverware. Tazzas and Vases, Centrepieces, Epergnes, Jardinieres & Punchbowls, Cake Stands and Dining Table Accessories

Antique Silver Tazzas or Compotes are generally flat topped stands used to serve cakes, desserts and fruit.

Antique Silver Vases for flowers were introduced to the dining table during the 19th century. They can be either solid form or pierced silver with glass liners. They can have matching lids for sideboard display when not in use, these are sometimes referred to as chestnut urns.

The Antique Silver Epergne, or Centrepiece, appeared c.1750 in the form of a large central raised basket flanked by several smaller dishes or baskets. These are normally very decorative and are used for fruit, flowers and sweets. Over the years the epergne evolved into ornamental stands, often figural with maidens, animals and cherubs, supporting crystal or silver dishes.

The Antique Silver Jardiniere makes an ideal table centre display. These can be filled with flowers and many are suitable for holding bottles.

Antique Silver Punch Bowls or Monteiths have been popular since the late 17th century. The Monteith bowl is mentioned in Anthony Wood’s diary in 1683 however the first recorded examples do not appear until the following year (ref. Georgina E. Lee Monteith Bowls). Food at this time was heavily spiced and a cooling drink was needed such as wine or the newly fashionable punch. Hence the requirement for a large bowl which could be filled with either a drink or ice, and to which a shaped removable rim could be used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer. A bowl with a rim of this type is referred to as a Monteith.
Antique Silver Cake Stands appeared in the second half of the 19th century and are usually multitiered plates supported by a silver stand. These are used to serve little cakes, scones and biscuits for high tea and can still be seen in posh hotels for serving traditional English tea. Also popular are the large, flat mirrored stands used by hotels and bakeries for wedding cakes.

Antique Silver Dining Table Accessories. These encompass the wide range of smaller items popularly used to add the finishing touches to a dining table display such as antique silver napkin rings, menu holders, cutlery rests and spoon trays.

Table Decoration

Browse our collection of antique silverware. Tazzas and Vases, Centrepieces, Epergnes, Jardinieres & Punchbowls, Cake Stands and Dining Table Accessories

Antique Silver Tazzas or Compotes are generally flat topped stands used to serve cakes, desserts and fruit.

The Antique Silver Jardiniere makes an ideal table centre display. These can be filled with flowers and many are suitable for holding bottles.

1667
William Norman
9673 Charles II Gilt Silver Salver on Foot
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An outstanding piece of early English silver. A rare antique silver tazza, dating from Charles II period, having a plain form, thick gadroon borders, and a bright gilt finish. To the centre is a large, hand engraved coat of arms within a plumage feathers cartouche, very typical of the period. The quality of the piece is excellent and the finish is very crisp. Weight 1135 grams, 36.4 troy ounces. Diameter 33cm. Height 6.2cm. Sterling silver. London 1667. Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). There is a gilt salver on foot by Norman in the Duke of Portland’s collection catalogued in 1935.
1702
Edward Ironside
9863 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tazza
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A very charming early silver footed salver with a thick gadroon border to the top and foot. Britannia standard silver*. There is a hand engraved crest of a stag to the centre. Weight 285 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Height 6.2cm. Diameter 20.1cm. London 1702. Maker Edward Ironside.
1706
Isaac Dighton
10169 Queen Anne Antique Silver Bowl
£12,500

A rare early English silver monteith from the Queen Anne period. Large size. The decoration, with the ribbed body and decorative cartouches, is typical for this period. Particularly charming are the quaint lions mask side handles. The shaped monteith rim is fixed and was originally used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer. To the front and back there is a good hand engraved armorial for the Fitzgerald family. Underneath the bowl there is also a presentation inscription from the Fitzgerald family. Gilt interior. Weight 1895 grams, 60.9 troy ounces. Height 20cm. Diameter 29.5cm. London 1706. Maker Isaac Dighton. Britannia standard silver (95.8% pure).
Circa 1720 - 1740

9883 Early German Antique Silver Tazza
£2,750

An antique silver footed salver of plain circular form with a simple moulded border and a waisted pedestal foot. Excellent heavy quality. Hand engraved to the centre with a coat of arms flanked by a pair of dogs, surmounted by the coronet of a Count. The foot, with the original detachable screw, is now permanently attached to the top for stability. Weight 642 grams, 20.6cm. Diameter 23cm. Height 5.3cm. Stamped underneath to the centre with German silver marks for Hanover Altstadt, 1720-40. Maker’s mark “P.P”
Circa 1750
Lawrence Jones
9522 Antique Silver Piggin
£550

A delightful antique sterling silver cream pail or piggin in the traditional form of a milking pail or bucket with coopered decoration. It has a single raised handle with a hanging bracket to the reverse to suspend the little bowl from possibly the sugar bowl. Weight 37 grams, 1.1 troy ounces. Height 4.3 cm (7 cm to top of handle). Diameter 4.3 cm. London circa 1750. Makers mark only for Lawrence Jones.
1753
Samuel Herbert And Company
9906 George II Silver Basket
£2,250

An elegant antique silver basket of oval form with a swing handle and rope borders. The simple basket weave decoration creates a clean classical style. Hand engraved to the centre is a large armorial within a decorative cartouche, the motto below reads “In Cruce Salus”. These handy multi-purpose serving baskets were originally used for bread and fruit but now are equally perfect for cakes or flowers. Weight 773 grams, 24.8 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm (26 cms to top of handle). Top measures 33 x 24.5cm. London 1753. Maker Samuel Herbert & Co. Sterling silver
1753
Fuller White
10155 George II Antique Silver Tea Kettle
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A magnificent example of English rococo silver. An antique sterling silver samovar of inverted baluster form with a folding raffia finish handle, the silver lid finial cast in the form of a little merman drinking from a shell, the curved spout finishing in the form of a bird. Superb quality deep chased decoration with shells, flowers and swirls. Hand engraved to the front is a large family armorial and to the reverse a Scottish sporran crest. The matching stand has an ornate cast and pierced frieze with face masks (to match those on the handle), and stands on large shell feet; the integral oil reservoir has a push on top, both with the sporran crest. Weight (including raffia) 2451 grams, 78.8 troy ounces. Total height 39cm. Kettle height 27.5 cm (handle extended), 19 cm (to top of kettle finial). London 1753. Maker Fuller White. Sterling silver.
Circa 1760
Walter Brind
8117 George III Silver Cream Pail
£550

A delightful antique sterling silver cream pail or piggin. Traditional design in the form of a milking pail or bucket with coopered decoration. The swing handle is formed from 2 intertwined strips of silver. Contains 70 ml. Weight 77 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Height 5 cm (9.5 cm to top of handle). Diameter 6.6 cm. Makers mark only for Walter Brind. London circa 1760.
1764
John Schuppe
9934 George III Silver Cow Creamer
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An antique silver cream jug in the form of a model cow. The cavity below the lid is filled with cream which is poured out through the cow’s mouth using the curled tail as a handle. Simple figuring and naive expressive face. The body is all over chased with a charmingly realistic hairy finish. Weight 132 grams, 4.2 troy ounces. Spread 14.5cm. Height 9.5cm (top of horns), 7.6cm (top of back). London 1764. Maker John Schuppe. Sterling silver.
Circa 1780

9896 Antique Silver Table Trivet
£1,650

An unusual 18th century miniature table of rectangular form standing on cabriole legs. A perfect display for a small tea set or pair of candlesticks. The solid wood top, with inset armorial plaque, is mounted with a silver framework. The underside still has the original claws to hold the wood in place and the pretty little wing nuts for the silver plaque; the remains of an old collector’s label can be seen in the corner. Top measures 26.2cm x 16.4cm. Height 6.3cm. Maker’s mark only, stamped twice. Probably Italian. A grand tour piece. Circa 1780.
1788
Robert Breading
10144 George III Antique Silver Dish Ring
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Of sporting interest. An Irish antique silver dish ring, of traditional design, beautifully pierced and embossed with a shooting scene of huntsmen in a wooded glen accompanied by dogs and flying birds. To the front is a large, vacant cartouche. Weight 424 grams, 13.6 troy ounces. Height 10cm. Diameter 18.3cm (top), 19.6cm (bottom). Dublin 1788. Maker probably Robert Breading. Sterling silver.
1790
Henry Greene
9744 George III Silver Shell Dishes
£1,150

A pretty pair of antique silver butter dishes in the form of a scallop shell. Simple design with a plain reed border. Charming little whelk shell feet. Weight 233 grams, 7.45 troy ounces. Each measures 14.1×13.1cm. Height 3.5cm. London 1788/90. Maker Henry Green. Sterling silver.
Circa 1795

9791 George III Old Sheffield Plate Globe Inkstand
£1,250

A rare and collectible conversation piece made in Old Sheffield plate. This elegant novelty inkstand, made to sit on an 18^th century Englishman’s desk, is in the form of a globe and by pressing down the top finial the two flaps open to reveal four Bristol blue glass bottles. Two bottles are for ink, one for pounce (a fine powder to dry the ink) and a fourth to keep spare nibs. The centre rim is decorated with swags and lions masks. Height 27cm. Diameter 14cm. Bottle height 5cm. Unmarked. Old Sheffield plate. Circa 1795.
1796
Erik Ernander
9907 Antique Silver Swedish Vases
£1,950

A large harlequin pair of antique silver vases, or ale glasses, with gilded bands to the top and base rims, and fully gilded interior. Each has an expansive band of engraved decoration to the body, one vase with initials “C.O.D” prick engraved to the front. Very similar in weight and size, the vases have differing decorations. Total weight 771 grams (381/390), 24.7 troy ounces. Height 20.7/20.4cm. Diameter 14.5/14.3cm. Swedish silver stamps. Maker E. Ernander. Date mark O2 for 1796.
1796
Henry Chawner And John Emes
9949 George III Antique Silver Caddy Box
£3,350

A fine antique sterling silver tea caddy box of plain oval form, the fixed carrying handle with reed and acanthus decoration. Elegant classical features with bands of shell motifs hand engraved within concentric prick dot lines. The bucket handbag shape is very unusual. The double opening lid has an inset hinge and there is a lock to either side. Weight 546 grams, 17.5 troy ounces. Height 18.5cm (to top of handle), 11.5cm (to top of caddy). Length 15cm. Width 10.2cm. London 1796. Maker Henry Chawner & John Emes. Sterling silver.
1807
Mary Troby
6043 Georgian Silver Table Centrepiece
£3,500

An elegant antique sterling silver centerpiece complete with matching suite of contemporary cut crystal bowls. Plain oval shape with 4 detachable arms, classical ram’s heads with looped chains, and paw feet. The weight of silver is 1297 grams, 41.7 troy ounces. Height 24.25 cms. Spread 47 cms. Bowls 29.5 x 20.5/13 x 9 cms. All pieces marked London 1807. Maker Mary Troby.
1812
Thomas Robins
9920 Pair of George III Silver Trophy Cups
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A substantial pair of antique silver cups and covers with twin handles. Excellent weight and gauge of metal. Elegant classical form with bands of acanthus decoration, the intertwined double snake scroll handles terminate with finely modelled Bacchanalian masks. Total weight 3289 grams, 105.7 troy ounces. Height 31.5cm (total), 33.9cm (to top of rim). Spread across handles 23.3cm. Diameter of top 14.1cm. London 1812. Maker Thomas Robins. Sterling silver.
1816
William Pitts
8985 Pair of George III Silver Sideboard Dishes
£22,500

A magnificent pair of antique silver chargers (or sideboard dishes) with gilt finish. Decorated in the 17th century style with deep relief embossed fruit and foliage. The centre is engraved with a large coat of arms of Scott impaling Surtees for John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon (1751-1838) and his wife Bessie. Scott was made an Earl in 1821. Weight each 3270 and 3390 grams approx, total 214 troy ounces. Diameter 64 cms. London 1816. Maker William Pitts, known for making large and impressive chargers. Sterling silver.
1827
David Crichton Rait
10222 George IV Antique Silver Bowl
£4,950

A magnificent Scottish antique silver centrepiece bowl with deep repousse decoration of flowers and foliage. The centre has the original bright gilding. Fantastic quality, large size and heavy gauge silver. To the front is an interesting presentation inscription. Weight 1567 grams, 30.3 troy oz. Diameter 26.2cm. Height 13.4cm. Glasgow 1827. Maker David Crichton Rait. Sterling silver. 19^th century.
1845
Joseph Angell
9814 Victorian Silver Toast Rack
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A well modelled antique silver toastrack of classic design with a shaped handle and face mask decorated feet. Good size and weight. 6 slices. Weight 275 grams, 8.8 troy ounces. Height 15cm. Length 17cm. Width 11.2cm. London 1845. Maker Joseph Angell. Sterling silver.
1846
Edward Barnard & Sons
9822 Antique Silver Cream Pail
£650

A good quality antique silver cream pail with swing handle and gadroon borders. Very pretty and multi purpose. The charmingly pierced decoration shows a cow grazing in the forest with flying birds, a house, beehive, and windmill. With removable blue glass liner. Weight of silver 174 grams, 5.5 troy ounces. Height 8cm, 12cm with handle. Diameter 7.3cm. London 1846. Maker John, Edward, Walter & John Barnard (Barnard & Sons Ltd).
1850
Aaron Hadfield
9908 Antique Silver and Mother of Pearl Cutlery
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A large set of 18 knives and 18 forks with elegant plain styled silver blades. Dessert cutlery. The real mother of pearl handles have ornate silver ferules with cross hatch decoration. Engraved to each handle is a boars head crest. Original solid wood box with blue velvet interior and a pull out tray. Knife 20.8cm. Fork 17cm. Sheffield 1850. Maker Aaron Hadfield. Sterling silver.
1877
Charles Stuart Harris
8849 Antique Queen Anne Style Silver Monteith Bowl
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A large and handsome antique sterling punch bowl in the early 18th century style with lions mask side handles, typical ribbed body decoration and a decorative cartouche to the front. The shaped scalloped rim is detachable; this is used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer and a bowl of this type is referred to as a Monteith. Weight of silver 3426 grams, 110 troy ounces. Height 19 cms (without rim), 25 cms (with rim), diameter 37 cms. London 1877. Maker Charles Stuart Harris.
Circa 1880

6958 Antique Silver and Cranberry Glass Cup and Cover
£395

A beautiful antique Bohemian glass vase with engraved panels around the body with architectural scenes. The front panel contains the figure of a Greek deity and there are names etched below the panels. The silver lid is mounted with an entwined serpent and an inset piece of mother of pearl. Height 15.5 cms. Diameter of top 7.5 cms. The lid is marked on the edge with “TF”. Austro Hungarian. Circa 1880.
Circa 1890

9722 Antique German Silver Jug – Napoleon
£5,450

A massive novelty silver jug in the form of Napoleon Bonaparte, the iconic French statesman and military leader. Suitable for wine, beer and water. Superb bright gilt finish and excellent quality modelling and chased detail. Napoleon is wearing full dress regalia, with epaulettes and the trademark bicorne hat, he is sitting on a military drum. Contains 1700 ml. Weight 996 grams, 32 troy ounces. Height 31.5cm. Spread 18.5cm. Diameter of drum 10cm. Stamped underneath with German silver marks (crown and moon) and the silver grade 800*. Maker “SB” crowned. Circa 1890.
Circa 1890
Victor Boivin
9825 French Silver Claret Jugs
£8,950

A fantastic quality pair of French silver mounted glass claret jugs in the style of Victor Boivin, a leading French 19th century silversmith. Of globular form, on a circular foot, the glass is encased with a fine quality decoration of pierced silver flowers, leaves, scrolls and other motifs. Original gilt to the inside of the lid and neck. Each contains 800 ml. Height 32cm. Spread across the handle 15.5cm. With French silver stamps. Maker or retailer’s stamp “HTO”. Circa 1890.
1891
Samuel Boyce Landeck
9915 Antique Dutch Silver Nef Sailing Ship
£15,750

This is a superb solid silver galleon ship (traditionally known as a Nef), intricately modelled and shown in full sail. Excellent size and quality throughout. The top section of the Neff can be removed from the hull revealing an open compartment or space. The hull is finely chased with cherubs and leaves, flowers and scrolls. The ship stands on four dolphin mounted wheels. Weight 2445 grams, 78.6 troy ounces. Height 48cm. Spread 34cm. Width of large sail 20cm. Hull measures 30.5 x 11.5cm. Dutch silver stamps. London import marks for 1891. Importer Samuel Boyce Landeck. Sterling silver.
1900
B Neresheimer & Sohnes
9941 Antique Silver Bear Decanter
£7,950

A splendid antique silver drinks flask in the form of a standing bear with outstretched paws. Excellent quality and heavy gauge cast silver. Very pleasing design with lifelike detail in the face and all-over chased fur. The head is removable so that the body can be used as a decanter and the head as a cup; it pours beautifully. The interior is gilded. Contains 1 litre. Weight 1407 grams, 45.2 troy ounces. Height 24.5cm. Width between the paws 13.5cm. German Hanau silver marks. Probably Neresheimer. Circa 1900.
Circa 1910
Gebruder Dingeldein
9980 Antique Silver Fish
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An excellent quality novelty silver antique fish with red glass eyes. Beautifully articulated. The fish opens into a box at the neck, and the mouth opens into a second smaller box. Large size and graceful style with naturalistic engraved detail and scales. The bottom fins serve also as stand supports. Weight 262 grams, 8.4 troy ounces. Length 37.5cm. Continental silver marks for Hanau, Germany. Maker Gebruder Dingeldein. Circa 1910.
Circa 1910
Georg Roth
10217 Antique Silver Table Birds
£4,450

A fine pair of antique silver table ornaments modelled as game birds with long feathered tails and removable heads with coloured glass eyes. Large size and excellent weight. These pheasants are very realistic and have fine chased detail. Weight 1152 grams, 37 troy ounces. Male bird height 18cm, length 49 cm. Female bird height 16.7cm, length 47cm. Maker Georg Roth. Hanau, Germany. Circa 1910. 800 silver purity.
1913
Asprey
9921 Antique Silver Pepper
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An excellent little silver pepper shaker of plain form and simple styling. The curved handle and bayonet fitting allow it to be shaken thoroughly without the top coming loose. This style is known as a “kitchen pepper”. Weight 86 grams, 2.7 troy ounces. Height 9cm. Spread 7cm. London 1913. Maker Asprey & Co. Sterling silver.
1921
Carringtons & Co
9870 Antique Silver Wine Ewer
£3,950

A magnificent silver gilt wine jug, of good size and weight, in the Renaissance style. Perfect for serving cold drinks, wine, beer and water. Of tall, bulbous form, the jug has a slender tapering neck, a graceful shaped handle, and a lady face mask to the front. The cutwork decoration is interspersed with foliate symbols and flowerheads. Contains 1250 ml. Weight 1302 grams, 41.5 troy ounces. Height 37cm. Spread 18cm. London 1921. Maker Carrington & Co.