Gilded centrepiece bowl with red and clear glass by Elkington

This outstanding centrepiece bowl was expertly crafted by the skilled makers at Elkington & Co. The very successful Birmingham-based silver created pieces for an elite clientele and royalty as well as received several royal warrants of appointment.

The gilt metal base is ornately cast with figures and motifs. In the centre is a slender urn with scrolling handles and engraved floral patterns. Surmounting it is a superb, pierced basket with various beading and nature-inspired decorations. The antique comes with two interchangeable bowls – one crafted from vivid red glass and the other from cut glass.

Below are two escutcheons filled with a coat of arms. Flanking the central composition are two charming putti, each one sitting in a relaxed pose on an S-scroll base. In both hands, they hold the ends of a ribbon-tied floral garland. The frieze below is filled with a rich flower design matching the rest of the piece. The elegant base stands on four shaped feet.    

On the underside, the centrepiece is stamped with the maker’s mark in addition to other hallmarks.

Of a very elegant design and high quality finish, this centrepiece bowl would be a superb addition to, for example, a dining table.

Around 1889, a centrepiece suite of a very similar design was crafted by Elkington & Co. for the Duke of Sparta (also known as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Greece).