Antique Victorian English Solid Silver Epergne Centerpiece in Neoclassical Style - Charles Stuart Harris 1889

Description and Details 

We are delighted to have acquired and offer this magnificent English solid silver centrepiece Epergne made by London silversmith maker Charles Stuart Harris in 1889.

Epergnes were usually used on dining tables of wealthy houses, aristocrats, nobility and even royalty to hold flowers, fruits or sweets in a luxurious and indulging manner as the main centre-piece of attraction for interior ornamentation. Epergnes were as much of a display piece as for practicality, which would often leave guests awestruck by its aesthetic beauty whilst none less, symbolising the wealth and power of the homeowner. 

This particular centrepiece is designed in Neoclassical taste with exceptionally elegant features and ornamentations. 

The midsection column presents a curved and flared waist design with reeded lines and additional embellishments of Neoclassical swags and festoons.   

The base of the Epergne features four cast feet with intricately chased and engraved foliate/floral motifs with further garlands interlinking all four partitions in Neoclassic form. 

At the top, a flared bowl for fruits/flowers/content of your choice can be found with a pierced design with continuations of festooned borders and acanthus scrolled tips. 

The overall pierced design allows for the colours of the content to pass through in addition to the lighting adding to the overall aesthetics of this piece.

Four cast silver arms extend outwards, each presenting a smaller dish for additional consumables/decorations to be displayed/served, accommodating for guests to admire the banquet display from all four sides and surrounding angles. 

Each piece of the epergne can be stored away by dismantling the whole piece. Upon assembly, please note there are four numbers on the base of the arms to match the base feet - by following and matching the numbers the epergne can be assembled as intended.

All pieces are clearly hallmarked with matching hallmarks.

Overall, this epergne is an exemplary piece of fine Victorian craftsmanship and exhibits an array of desirable traits of a fine piece of silverware. An ideal piece of fine silverware whether be it for a magnificent display or practical usage on a dining table to highlight your interior.

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