| This is a superb quality Victorian sterling silver, etched and cut crystal 4-piece compote set in the neo-Classical style, beautifully and skillfully made in London by the distinguished silversmiths at Edward Barnard & Sons. The set consists of a pair of large compotes together with a matching pair in a slightly smaller size. Each piece stands upon 3 meticulously detailed and softly stippled paw feet which gracefully transform into decorated columnar legs as they rise. These have been exuberantly festooned all around with garlands of intricately crafted harvest fruits including pumpkins, apples, pears, grape clusters and vine leaves, all beautifully executed with masterful skill and extraordinary attention to detail. On the larger of the two pairs the legs have been further embellished with a leafy motif that extends inwards and upwards beneath the compote bowl and has then been topped at the center by a figural pineapple, the traditional sign of hospitality. The bountiful garland, this time primarily featuring a motif of grapes and vine leaves, has been effectively repeated all around the circular upper rim which supports the lovely, delicately etched glass compote bowls. The bowls have been deeply and crisply cut into a multi-pointed star motif on their bases and have all been encircled by a pretty pattern of etched vine leaves and grapes below an elegantly scalloped upper edge. The combination of the light, dainty bowls and their airy intricately made bases is perfectly charming and extremely elegant. The craftsmanship throughout is of the very finest quality and the 4 pieces are all in perfect, pristine condition with crisp definition on all the decorative elements. They are all stamped with a set of English hallmarks showing that they were made by Edward Barnard & Sons in London. The larger compotes have been stamped with the date letter for the year1872 and the smaller ones with the date letter for 1873. They would make a distinctive statement of elegance and sophistication in any setting. The larger compotes stand approx. 8” tall to the top of the decorative rim and approx. 10 1/4” when the glass bowls are in place. They measure approx. 10 3/4” in diameter. The smaller pair stands approx. 5” tall to the top of the decorative rims and approx. 7” with the glass bowls in place. They measure approx. 8” in diameter.
Price: $32,500 set Stock #BC831 |