Sheffield Antique Plate Pair of Monteiths or Verrières, c. 1780-90

These verrières are possibly the rarest and finest antique Sheffield plate we have had the pleasure to offer. Singles are very scarce - to find a pair in this condition is just extraordinary. Referred to also as monteith bowls, these wine glass holders were used for chilling wine glasses which one would hang inverted around the rim.

(Their more popular use today for flower arrangements would certainly have had its place in an 18th century home also.) Striking examples of the form, the oval shaped bodies are decorated with a lobed design around the edge of the original weighted pedestal bases and lower halves of the main bodies. Overhanging bands of acanthus leaves below beaded rings decorate the joins. The scrolling scalloped rims are very unusual and further enhanced with applied classical floral elements.

These stunning verrières are unmarked as is most antique Sheffield plate. They measure 9.5 inches long by 8 inches deep by 7.25 inches high, have never been engraved and are in very good/ excellent antique condition.

Later note: These can be firmly attributed to the shop of Matthew Boulton and were featured in Gordon Crosskey's Antique Sheffield Plate.