Frederick Elkington Victorian Sterling Silver Egyptian Revival Garniture Suite, Birmingham, 1885/86

This spectacular garniture suite consists of two side compotes and a tall 3-branch centerpiece on its original mirrored plateau.

Magnificent design and attention to detail is seen throughout. The trefoil-shaped bases of the compotes are raised an cast paw feet. Perched on the corners of the platforms are incredibly cast winged sphinxes. The central columns are in the form of tall 3-handled urns with classical decoration. Circular rings with beaded decoration hold the fitted pressed and cut glass bowls. 

The large centerpiece continues the design of the compotes, but on a much larger scale. The trefoil-shaped base is flat in order to rest on the mirror plateau. Bold castings of animal paws support the main section of the centerpiece.

The striking mid-section features three sphinxes around a column like the compotes, however the centerpiece uses larger castings for more dramatic effect.

The top section has three flowing branches with holders at the ends for the glass bowls. The arms are designed with lovely classical elements. The large center bowl rests within a pierced holder with classical elements below.

It is rare to find these centerpieces with their original plateaus and this example is lovely. It stands on three feet and is beautifully ornamented with applied decoration around the sides.

This spectacular suite is fully hallmarked throughout. Due to it being made from multiple parts, each piece is properly marked (you can even see above that the wings on the sphinxes are stamped).

The height to the top of the centerpiece bowl when it is on its stand is 28 inches. The compotes are 9 inches high. The silver compotes weigh a combined 55.55 troy ounces and the centerpiece weighs a very impressive 145.20 troy ounces.

This rare suite is in excellent antique condition. The cut bowls are in perfect condition but not the original glass.