Tiffany & Co Antique Sterling Silver and Copper Vase, NYC, NY, 1903-07

This rare vase is an unusual achievement with its beautiful acid-etched design and copper deposit. This specialized process would use a technique of applying varnish to the piece where you want the silver to show (in this case the foliate scenes), and then use acid to remove the background slightly. Then copper would be electrodeposited onto the vase creating the stunning background. After removing the varnish, the details of the raised flowers would then be finely chased. 

This beautiful vase is marked underneath 'TIFFANY & Co/ 15682 MAKERS 6420/ STERLING SILVER/ 925-1000/ C'. The 'C' mark was used from 1902-1907 and, according to Tiffany Silver by Charles Carpenter, the pattern number dates this design to 1903. It measures 5.25 inches across the handles by 8.75 inches high, weighs 15.90 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with a couple of scratches to the copper visible in the second image.