A very unusual early George III silver and glass Centrepiece/Epergne

The main section of the centrepiece is formed as a trailing fruiting vine on a trellis work frame. The feet are cast in the form of the trunk of the vine and are unusually decorated with vine leaves, caterpillars and ladybirds. The main section is decorated with the trailing vine, with crisp textured leaves and grapes which rise to an everted neck into which the central diamond cut glass bowl is placed. This has a reeded silver rim with applied tendrils and grapes and a detailed bird in flight at each end. Four cast arms fit into the main frame, each formed as a vine with leaves and grapes, and a bird perches where the arms meet the main body. Each arm rises to a circular cradle into which a glass diamond and star cut circular dish can be placed. The scallop shaped edge of the dish displays a reeded silver mount decorated with trailing tendrils. This is a most unusual design in quite excellent condition. In total the centrepiece is marked in ten separate locations. The work of Vere & Lutwyche is scarce, but is often seen on baskets and coasters of wirework design. Their partnership was short lived and they had workshops in Lombard Street when these items were made. John Henry Vere was in partnership was the great pierced worker Edward Aldridge, which would account for the quality of design and production seen in his work. Their markers mark is illustrated in “London Goldsmiths 1697-1837”, Mark 3908. Height: 12 inches, 30 cm. Length, across the lower smaller baskets: 22.5 inches, 56.25 cm. Length of central basket: 11.5 inches, 28.75 cm. Diameter of smaller glass dishes: 5.5 inches, 13.75 cm. Weight: 55 oz.

Estimate:-

View all items fromMary Cooke Antiques LtdorSilver & Gold