Antique 19th Century Regency Impressive Figural Centrepiece, B Smith, 1829

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Antique 19th Century Regency Impressive Figural Centrepiece, B Smith, 1829

About the Item

Description Antique 19th century large and impressive Regency Solid Silver centerpiece/comport, on a triangular base embellished with acanthus leaves and flowers, cast anthemion feet, the sculptural cast stem modelled as two young cherubs sitting on a tiger holding a large openwork basket, the border applied with a grapevine motif. The stand bears the original Coat of arms and family crest for the Hichens (or Hichins) family, and the original memorial inscription contemporary to the piece: "Presented to Robert Hichens Esq. by the directors and shareholders of the Arigna iron and Coal Company in testimony of their admiration of the manly and honorable spirit with which legal proceedings were instituted to bring to light and defeat the fraud that had been practiced upon the company and in grateful remembrance of the indefatigable zeal and industry with which those proceedings have been followed up." The long inscription is original to the piece, being connected to a major lawsuit of 1828 between Robert Hichens on behalf of the Arigna Iron and Coal Company and some shareholders and agents. The centerpiece was commissioned and given to Robert Hitchens for having uncovered a fraud against the shareholders' interest. The quality of the model is outstanding and inspired by a pair of identical dessert stands by Paul Storr made in 1808 for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. Each part is Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1829 (o), Maker's mark "BS" for Benjamin Smith, important Royal silversmith working at the same level of Paul Storr, specializing in impressive presentation pieces and services, most of them are now in the Royal Collection and Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The base is further hand-engraved with the artist's signature "B. SMITH DUKE ST. LIN INN FIELDS FECIT." Condition In great condition, no damage. Size: Total height: 36.3 cm. Base width: 26.5 cm. Bowl width: 27 cm. Total silver weight: 3740 g.

Dimensions:
Height: 14.3 in (36.3 cm)Diameter: 10.63 in (27 cm)
Style:
Regency (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1820-1829
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1829
Condition:
In Great Condition - No damage.
Seller Location:
Royal Tunbridge Wells, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: REFERENCE NUMBER: A36861stDibs: LU134824288053