Object Description
This is an intricate and exquisitely made antique silver-plated Victorian centrepiece by the renowned silversmith, Henry Wilkinson & Co, circa 1870 in date.
This stunning centrepiece has a central oval glass dish which is beautifully engraved and profusely decorated with stunning floral decoration throughout. It is highly decorative and at the same time very functional, making it ideal for displaying fruit and sweets.
This magnificent silver-plated centrepiece features a lovely bird on each side and is further embellished with four mythical griffins and four extraordinary mermaids, all beautifully chased.
A lot of intricate detailing has gone into the creation of this beautiful item which is an extremely well designed and attractive centrepiece that can only grow in value.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear makers marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 26.5 x Width 42 x Depth 21
Dimensions in inches:
Height 10.4 x Width 16.5 x Depth 8.3
Henry Wilkinson & Co
It is difficult to trace the origin of the firm in the 18th and the first part of the 19th century, owing to the complexity of intertwined partnerships involving the numerous firms active in Sheffield in the silver business. The Chronology until 1829 is only a hypothesis largely based on Frederick Bradbury’s book on Old Sheffield Plate (first published in 1912).
Anyway, Henry Wilkinson & Co, Plate Worker, Norfolk Street, Sheffield entered its first mark in the Sheffield Assay Office on September 24, 1831.
Henry Wilkinson & Co was involved in the manufacture of Old Sheffield Plate and was the second firm in Sheffield to receive a licence for the use of the electroplating system (1843).
Various pieces of its production were successfully exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851
Since the 1850s Henry Wilkinson & Co was active in London with James Price as agent and from 1857 with a Showroom at 4 Bolt Court, Fleet Street (later, Ely House, 13 Charterhouse Street, Holborn Circus).
Hallmarks were entered in London Assay Office in 1857 (by Henry Wilkinson) and 1879 (by John Brashier).
In 1872 the firm was converted into a Limited Liability Company under the style Henry Wilkinson & Co Ltd.
In 1892 the business went into liquidation and was bought by Walker & Hall.
CHRONOLOGY:
J.Winter c. 1760
Winter, Parsons & Hall c. 1770-1773
John Parsons & Co 1773-1787
J. & T. Settle c. 1815-1829
Settle & Wilkinson c. 1829
Henry Wilkinson & Co c. 1830-1872
Henry Wilkinson & Co Ltd 1872-1892
Our reference: 09632