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.
Circa 1680

10325 Antique Silver Table Trivet
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An unusual 17th 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 “GJ”. English, circa 1680. Provincial silver. Probably East Anglian.
1691

4628 William and Mary Antique Silver Tazza
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A fine early silver footed salver with a thick gadroon border. There is an armorial engraved to the centre. The base engraved with initials in old script. London 1691. The foot stamped with lion only. Maker “D” (see Jacksons page 139).
1692
Benjamin Pyne
10365 William and Mary Antique Silver Tazza
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A fine quality antique silver footed salver with a gadroon edge and cut card applied work to the underside. A rare feature is the screw action detachable foot. Heavy gauge silver. Hand engraved to the top is a marital coat of arms for Raymond and Jemmett. Weight 575g, 18.4 troy oz. Diameter 19cm. Height 7.5cm. London 1692. Maker Benjamin Pyne. Sterling silver.
1697 - 1698
Robert Timbrell
10153 William III Antique Silver Bowl
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An outstanding antique silver monteith bowl complete with the original detachable collar with castellated scroll border and cherub heads. Excellent size and proportions. The body decoration is typical for a monteith of the period 1690-1702 and has a series of asymmetrical tear shaped panels interspersed with unusual foliate “face” motifs; all on an intricately hand chased matted background. The lions mask side handles are beautifully modelled. Weight 1780 grams, 57.2 troy ounces. Height 21.4cm (with Monteith collar), 15.6cm (without collar). Diameter 27.5cm (collar), 26.2cm (bowl). London 1697/8. Maker Robert Timbrell. Britannia standard silver (95.8% pure).
1699
Samuel Hood
10257 William III Antique Silver Tazza
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An excellent early English silver footed salver with a broad gadroon border to the top and foot. Britannia standard silver*. To the centre is a hand engraved armorial for the Scott family within a decorative cartouche. Weight 395 grams, 12.7 troy ounces. Height 7.3cm. Diameter 24cm. London 1699. Maker Samuel Hood. *Britannia standard silver. 17^th century.
1700
George Garthorne
9109 Antique William III Silver Bowl
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An early English silver punch bowl from the pre Queen Anne period. *Britannia standard silver. With charmingly quaint lions mask drop ring handles, the foot with a bold gadrooned border. The body decoration, typical for a monteith of the period 1690-1702, has a series of asymmetrical lobed panels intersected by spiral flutes of matted background which closely resemble cornunucopia. Weight 1200 grams, 39oz. Diameter 24.5 cm. Height 15.5 cms. London 1700. Maker George Garthorne, a specialist bowl maker.
1701
Robert Peake
7895 William III Silver Bowl
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A rare and important early English silver bowl from the pre Queen Anne period. Large size with charmingly quaint lions mask drop ring handles and the ribbed body decoration typical for this period. To the front there is a large hand engraved armorial set within a plummage scroll cartouche. Around the top there is a band of engraved leaves and fish scale chasing. Britannia standard silver*. Weight 1313 grams, 42.2 troy ounces. Height 15 cms. Diameter 27 (top) cms, 17 cms (base). London 1701. Maker Robert Peake.
1702
John Downes
8688 Queen Anne Antique Silver Tazza
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A fine early silver footed salver with a thick gadroon border. Britannia standard silver*. There is a hand engraved crest of a lion to the centre. Weight 611 grams, 19.6 troy ounces. Height 4.25 cms. Diameter 29.5 cms. Marked on top for London 1702. Maker John Downes.
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.
1705
Benjamin Pyne
6197 Queen Anne Silver Bowl
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A rare and important early English silver bowl from the Queen Anne period. Large size with charmingly quaint lions mask side handles and the ribbed body decoration typical for this period. There is a large scroll cartouche to the front with deep chased decoration. Britannia standard silver*. Weight 1315 grams, 42.2 troy ounces. Height 16.5 cms. Diameter 27.5 cms. London 1705. Maker Benjamin Pyne.
1705
Seth Lofthouse
6258 Queen Anne Silver Footed Salver
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A lovely early English antique silver tazza with gadroon borders and pedestal foot. Britannia standard silver. Beautiful plain style typical of the period. Weight 301 grams, 9.6 troy ounces. Diameter 22 cms. Height 6.5 cms. Hallmarked on the top edge with clear crisp marks for London 1705. Maker Seth Lofthouse.
1706
Isaac Dighton
10169 Queen Anne Antique Silver Monteith Bowl
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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).
1707
Charles Overing
7801 Queen Anne Antique Silver Salver
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An excellent early English antique silver tazza with reed border and pedestal foot. Britannia standard silver*. Beautiful plain style typical of the period. To the centre there is a hand engraved armorial within a decorative contemporary cartouche. Weight 522 grams, 16.7 troy ounces. Diameter 24 cms. Height 6.75 cms. Diameter of bottom foot 10 cms. Hallmarked on the top edge with clear crisp marks for London 1707. Maker Charles Overing.
1708
John Hodson
9253 Queen Anne Tazzas
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A fine pair of early English silver footed salvers of plain form. Britannia standard silver*. Hand engraved to the centre of each is a crest within a decorative cartouche. Total weight 1374 grams, 44.1 troy ounces. Diameter 28.5 cm. Height 8 cm. London 1708. Maker John Hodson I.
1718
Richard Bayley
8594 Large George I Footed Salver
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An excellent early English silver tazza of plain circular form on a shaped foot. Britannia standard silver*. Lovely simple styling typical of the period. Good size and patina. Weight 723 grams, 23.2 troy ounces. Height 6.25 cms. Diameter 29 cms. London 1718. Maker Richard Bayley
1721
Matthew Lofthouse
8700 Large George II Silver Bowl by Matthew Lofthouse
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A handsome antique sterling silver punch bowl with simple plain styling and raised pedestal foot. Large size. Excellent quality and good gauge silver. Weight 1650 grams, 53 troy ounces. Height 20.5 cms. Diameter 29.3 cms. London 1727. Maker Matthew Lofthouse.
1721
John Bache
10263 George I Antique Silver Monteith Bowl
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A handsome antique silver monteith bowl with the original castellated collar mounted with little lion heads. Excellent size and proportions. The bowl design is typical for a monteith of the period 1700-1720 with its plain form on a built-up foot and the large hand engraved coat of arms. To the reverse is finely executed crest. Weight 1561 grams, 50.1 troy ounces. Height 21.4cm (with Monteith collar), 21.4cm (without collar). Diameter 27cm (collar), 25cm (bowl). London 1721. Maker John Bache. Britannia standard silver – 95.8% pure. 18^th century.
1726
George Weir
9737 George I Antique Silver Cup
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A rare antique silver cup of small size. Probably a small tot or it may be a tiny egg cup. To the front is a large hand engraved armorial within a shield. Weight 24 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Contains 25 ml. Height 4.8cm. Diameter 4.2cm. London 1726. Maker possibly George Weir. Sterling silver
Circa 1730

9468 Antique Silesian Silver Tazza
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A very interesting early continental dish of octagonal form having ribbed borders and pressed decoration. Large size. The spreading foot has matching ornament with matted detail, it is fixed to the top with the original rivets. The silver is of thin gauge which is typical of some early continental silver. Weight 644 grams, 20.7 troy ounces. Height 8 cm. Width 33 cm. Stamped on the edge with Silesian silver marks for Streigau, makers mark, the initials “FW” and assay scrape, circa 1730.
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.
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.
1765
John Schuppe
9672 George III Silver Cow Creamer
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An antique silver cream jug in the form of a model cow with a handle in the form of a looped tail. The saddle shaped lid on the cow’s back has a finial in the form of a fly; it lifts to fill the jug with cream which is poured out of the cow’s mouth. Simple figuring and naive expressive face. The body has charmingly realistic hair chased on top. Weight 137 grams, 4.4 troy ounces. Length 15cm. Height 9.5cm. London 1765. Maker John Schuppe. Sterling silver.
1766
Edward Aldridge & John Stamper
8320 George III Silver Dish Cross
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An ingenious table server and trivet. An antique sterling silver dish stand in the form of two crossed arms, centrally pivotted, with adjustable shell feet/dish supports and a central spirit warmer, the whole being flat folded for easy storage. The combined legs/dish holders telescope in and out to accommodate different sized plates. Weight 745 grams, 23.9 troy ounces. Adjustable diameter 17/35 cms. Length when closed 35.5 cms. Height 5/9 cms. London 1766. Maker Edward Aldridge.
1768
William Grundy
9476 George III Silver Sugar Vases
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A fine pair of antique sterling silver sugar casters with side handles. Plain style with gadroon borders. To the front each has a hand engraved armorial with a boar crest. Weight 951 grams, 30.5 troy ounces. Height 25cm (caster), 17.5cm (vase). London 1768. Maker William Grundy.
1779

9679 Georgian Silver Shell Dish
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A delightful antique sterling silver butter dish in the form of a scallop shell. Lovely simple design. Bead borders and pretty little whelk shell feet. Excellent condition and good gauge silver. Excellent condition and good gauge silver. Weight 91 grams, 2.9 troy ounces. Measures 13.7x12cm. Height 3cm. London 1779. Makers mark rubbed. Sterling silver.
Circa 1780
Nathaniel Gillert
10285 George III Antique Silver Apple Corer
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1786
John Scofield
9802 George III Silver Sugar Vases
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An elegant pair of antique silver vases with matching detachable lids. Good plain style with applied ribbed mounts. To the front and lid each has a hand engraved crest of a crown over a monogram of intertwined initials in old script. Weight 951 grams, 30.5 troy ounces. Height 17cm (vase), 23.5cm (to top of lid). London 1786. Maker John Scofield. Sterling silver.
1788
John Kidder
6972 George III Silver Epergne
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A superb antique sterling silver centerpiece with five detachable bowls which can be used separately. The pretty fluted stand is raised on tall shaped feet with a decorative border of looped harebell swags embellished with ribbons and classical motifs. Engraved to the centre of the stand and to all 5 bowls is a crest of a cockerel. All the bowls have elegant pierced silver with a cast border. Weight 2000 grams, 64.3 troy ounces. Height 32 cms. Large bowl 33 x 17 cms. Small bowl diameter 12 cms. Spread 41 x 38 cms. All pieces have matching silver marks. London 1788. Maker John Kidder.
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.
Circa 1795

9791 George III Old Sheffield Plate Globe Inkstand
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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
Henry Chawner And John Emes
9949 George III Antique Silver Caddy Box
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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.