Antique Silver George IV Epergne Centrepiece made in 1824

£14,500

A George IV silver epergne centrepiece, with a central bowl for sweets or fruit and four branches for candlesticks.

Date 1824
Made By John Bridge
Location London
Stock Number M170x26
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS PIECE
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M170x26
Date:
1824
Maker: John Bridge
£14,500
Description

A George IV antique silver epergne centrepiece, with a central bowl for sweets or fruit and four branches for candlesticks. The centrepiece stands on a marble base.

The central column emerges from four Egyptian heads, which in turn, the removable candlestick branches arise.

The Egyptian taste became fashionable amongst the nobility after the battle of the Nile in 1798, and this is a rare example.

Dimensions: height (total) 48.5 cm, span 50.9 cm

Maker
John Bridge

John Bridge was the co-founder in 1787 (with Philip Rundell) of Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, goldsmith, jewellers and royal retailers to the Prince Regent.

Their London shop on Ludgate Hill in London had a huge stock of new and old silver, watches, jewellery and “objects of virtue”. Employing some of the best and most feted craftsmen of their day, by 1820 their enterprise spanned the globe with agencies in Paris, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Constantinople, Baghdad, Calcutta, Bombay and numerous cities in South America. Their fantastic success was probably due to a mixture of factors, not least the quality and beauty of their wares, as well as the ruthlessness of Rundell and Bridge’s great commercial acumen.

In 1797, they were appointed as one of the goldsmiths and jewellers to the King and went on to be the Principal Royal Goldsmiths and Jewellers in 1804. They held this Royal Warrant until 1843.

They were commissioned to provide the diplomatic gifts for the Congress of Vienna (1814-15) and made 22 snuff boxes worth 1000 guineas each. Their roster of famous artists included John Flaxman and Thomas Stothard, well known designers and modellers of silverware.

From 1802, their workshops were managed by a succession of notable silversmiths such as Benjamin Smith and Digby Scott the designer. In 1807, Paul Storr, the pre-eminent silversmith of the era took charge, leaving in 1819 to found his own workshops.

As Royal Goldsmiths they served four monarchs: George III, George IV, William IV and Victoria. They made the Imperial State Crown for Victoria’s coronation in 1838 which had 3,093 gems encrusted in it. They also made the “Rundell Tiara” in 1863 for Princess Alexandra.

John Bridge died in 1834, but his nephews continued the family involvement in the firm.

Delivery Details

We provide worldwide postage/shipping and everything is fully tracked and insured. Purchases will be sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery, FedEx, Parcel Force, A-Z couriers; other delivery providers may be used in extenuating circumstances. We deliver to the address provided at the time of purchase but not to PO addresses, as a signature is required upon delivery.

Some countries levy import duties and local taxes. Payment of these is the purchaser’s responsibility and beyond the control of William Walter Antiques Ltd. When the container has reached the destination country, a customs representative will contact you for payment prior to delivery.

Import restrictions are applicable to some destinations, especially the import of products containing materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell. We cannot accept orders requiring shipment to any countries which implement such controls.

All items are checked and photographed prior to packaging, and we aim to dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payment.

Delivery Charges:
For the UK £15.00
For Europe £30.00
For the rest of World £50.00
The charges are subject to change

About William Walter Antiques

At the heart of William Walter Antiques is our dedication to providing our customers with beautiful silver of supreme quality, which celebrates all that is precious about sterling silver. Customer service also being paramount, our long-standing, devoted staff team go above and beyond the call of duty for all our clients. We believe it is this combination of passion and commitment that has kept our customers with us for many years.

How to buy

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Phone Number
+44 (0) 207 242 3248

Email
info@williamwalter.co.uk

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53-64 Chancery Lane,
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