Silver Repoussé Umbrella Stand or Vase, British Hallmarked, 19th Century

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A substantial and exceptional Victorian silver vase of trumpet form, fully hallmarked with British assay marks dating to the 19th … Read more A substantial and exceptional Victorian silver vase of trumpet form, fully hallmarked with British assay marks dating to the 19th century. The piece carries a lion passant confirming sterling standard, a duty mark placing manufacture before 1890, a Gothic date letter, and a city assay mark. The quality of the repoussé work and the scale of the piece indicate a silversmith of professional standing working within the mainstream of Victorian presentation silver.

The body rises from a circular domed foot decorated with lobed gadrooning and a beaded border. The flared lower register carries panels of acanthus and palmette ornament worked in confident high relief, separated from the main body by a moulded collar with egg-and-dart detailing. The central body is chased with swirling foliate garlands, floral sprays, and crossed branches encircling 2 portrait medallions depicting a male bust. The upper body narrows before flaring to a lobed and gadrooned collar beneath the plain polished rim. The plated surface has developed a distinguished blue-grey patina in the recessed areas of the decoration, contrasting with the brighter high points and giving the piece considerable depth and character. See less