Langfords

Superb antique silver bowl or Champagne cooler of epic proportions. Known as The Helenic Bowl, the triform lobed bowl was was made during the latter part of the 19th century and is a registered piece in the back catalogue of its maker, Hancocks. There is no mention of the purchaser at the time. Following advice from the Victoria & Albert Museum, we are given to understand that the friezes are based on classical scenes of the Trojan Wars including the capture of Troy by the Greeks. The three curved panels are hand chased in very fine detail and the protruding masks represent Poseidon, Greek god of the sea.* This magnificent bowl rests on three massive lion-paw feet which, in turn, are mounted on a triform base. * Poseiden was the Olympian god who presided over the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses. He was the protector of seafarers and the guardian of many Hellenic cities and colonies. Naturally we have filled this magnificent antique cooler...