Centrepieces
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. Browse our collection of antique silver Centrepieces, Epergnes, Jardinieres and Bowls
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.
The Antique Silver Punch Bowl or Monteith has 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.
Centrepieces
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. Browse our collection of antique silver Centrepieces, Epergnes, Jardinieres and Bowls
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.
The Antique Silver Punch Bowl or Monteith has 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.
-
1708 - 1709
William Charnelhouse
10379 Queen Anne Antique Silver Monteith
£12,750
A spectacular sized antique silver bowl with the original castellated collar mounted with shaped strapwork and fleur de lys motifs. Very handsome design and excellent 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. Weight 2597g, 83 troy oz. Height 26.5cm (with Monteith collar), 20cm (bowl). Diameter 35cm (collar), 32cm (bowl). London 1708/09. Maker William Charnelhouse. Britannia standard silver – 95.8% pure. 18th century.
-
1807
Mary Troby
10408 George III Antique Silver Table Centrepiece
£3,500
An elegant antique 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 glass bowls can be used separately. 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. Sterling silver.
-
1816
William Pitts
8985 Pair of George III Antique 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 oz. 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. 19th century.
-
Circa 1880
10399 Antique Silver and Enamel Centrepiece
Sold
A fine continental silver and rock crystal centrepiece representing the Birth of Venus. The silver has coloured enamel detail and the figural work is excellent. Fantastic large size and complete with the original leather carrying case. The central stem is modelled as a silver merman holding a rock crystal sphere containing an enamel seascape representing Venus emerging from a shell. The orb, with silver and enamel mounts, supports a merman blowing a horn. Height 33cm. Diameter of base 12.2cm. Probably Austrian. Late 19th century.
-
1902
James Deakin & Sons
10354 Antique Silver Centrepiece Suite
Sold
A beautiful antique silver epergne set with a matching pair of tall dishes. The pierced decoration is particularly attractive with flowers, scrolls and heart shaped ornament. The epergne has five bowls which can be detached and used separately. The pair of tazzas are raised on tall decorative feet and have a shaped cast border. There is a presentation inscription on the centrepiece front and all the dishes are engraved to the centre with a monogram of entwined letters in old fashioned script. Total weight 3,153g, 101.3 troy oz.
Epergne weight 1,876g, 60.3 troy oz, height 25cm, spread 52.5cm. Large bowl 32 x 22.2cm. Small bowl 17.4cm x 12.4cm. Side dishes total weight 1286g, 41.3troy oz, height 15cm, bowl 31 x 23cm. All pieces London 1902. Maker James Deakin & Sons. Sterling silver
Keep up to date with our Latest Items and News on Early Silver