Object Description
A superb antique sterling silver centrepiece with nine detachable bowls which can be used separately. The pretty fluted stand is raised on tall shaped feet with elegant reed and wheatsheaf decoration. All the bowls have shapely pierced silver with a reed border. Weight 3300 grams, 106.1 troy ounces. Height 32 cms. Large bowl 33 x 17 cms. Small bowl diameter 12 cms. Spread 41 x 38 cms. All pieces have matching silver marks. London 1790. Maker Thomas Pitts.
Biography – Thomas Pitts, London silversmith, apprenticed to Charles hatfield 1737, turned over to David Willaume II 1742, free 1744. Pitts was a specialist epergne maker from 1766. His 3 sons Thomas, William and Joseph were all apprenticed to him in 1767, 1769 and 1772.