ANTIQUE 19THC GEORGIAN SOLID SILVER FIGURAL CENTERPIECE, BENJAMIN SMITH C.1820
19th Century Georgian silver centerpiece, raised on three cast lion paw feet, the base is applied with a very crisp scrolling foliate decoration in relief, supporting three large and finely modelled classical female figures (the three graces), holding an openwork basket applied with a cast floral border, fitted with cut glass bowl. Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1820 (e), Maker's mark BS for Benjamin Smith III.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A5077
19th Century Georgian silver centerpiece, raised on three cast lion paw feet, the base is applied with a very crisp scrolling foliate decoration in relief, supporting three large and finely modelled classical female figures (the three graces), holding an openwork basket applied with a cast floral border, fitted with cut glass bowl. Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1820 (e), Maker's mark BS for Benjamin Smith III.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A5077
19th Century Georgian silver centerpiece, raised on three cast lion paw feet, the base is applied with a very crisp scrolling foliate decoration in relief, supporting three large and finely modelled classical female figures (the three graces), holding an openwork basket applied with a cast floral border, fitted with cut glass bowl. Hallmarked English silver (925), London, year 1820 (e), Maker's mark BS for Benjamin Smith III.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A5077
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century Georgian Monumental solid silver figural centerpiece, raised on three cast lion paw feet, the base is applied with a very crisp scrolling foliate decoration in relief, supporting three large and finely modelled classical female figures (the three graces), holding an openwork basket applied with a cast floral border, fitted with cut glass bowl. This is a most impressive and exceptional solid silver figural centerpieces, nearly 50 cm tall. All parts hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1820 (e), Maker's mark BS (Benjamin Smith III).
Benjamin Smith (1764 – 1823) who started his career as an apprentice to Matthew Boulton in 1790. In 1802 he began working for Rundell & Bridge the most important luxury retailer of the first half of the 19th century. Benjamin Smith was at the heart of the company, directing and training the workshops, soon working along side Paul Storr who joined the firm in 1807.
His work is highly valued and renowned, a perfect example is the Jamaica Service of 1803, which is now in The Royal Collection. Having collaborated with Digby Scott a renowned English sculptor, the silver-gilt trays, baskets, and wine coasters with open-work vine borders are among their most distinctive and accomplished achievements. The majority of the designs, so closely related to those of Storr, most almost certainly stemmed from central control by Rundell and Bridge.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - No Damage
SIZE
Height: 49cm
Width: 38cm
Silver Weight: 3450g
Total Weight: 8730g