William Forbes for Ball, Black & Co Antique Coin Silver Large Centerpiece/ Punch Bowl, New York City, 1852-62

This stunning and impressive centerpiece bowl is made with multiple parts by the great silversmith William Forbes. The base is beautifully constructed with an outer edge of boldly cast rope banding applied to classical leaves with cascading tops reminiscent of waves. Fitting over the central section is a beautifully cast and molded display of grapevines with clusters of grapes along with cherries, a peach, a pear and a melon. Beautiful chasing creates wonderful details.The large bowl screws onto the base. Under the bowl, hanging like an umbrella, is a band of classical foliage. The large bowl has an undulating body with a greatly flared top. The top edge has an applied band with a stippled texture. Underneath the lip are large, textured leaves.The side of the bowl is decorated with remarkable repoussé work. Ten various scenes of branches hanging down from the leaves display clusters of various fruits and flowers.

Rising up from the base of the bowl are wonderfully repousséd acanthus leaves.

This rare centerpiece and punch bowl is marked underneath the bowl 'BALL, BLACK & CO/ NEW YORK/ WF'. It measures 14.75 inches wide by 13 inches high, weighs 104.5 troy ounces and is in exceptional antique condition.