Antique Sterling Silver Soup Tureen or Centerpiece

This magnificent antique George IV English sterling silver soup tureen has an oval rounded form.

The lower portion of the body is encompassed with impressive chased fluted decoration in a subtle swirl design.

The decoration to the body incorporates an impressive scrolling leaf bordered cartouche to either side, each displaying an exceptional contemporary bright cut engraved marital coat of arms* depicting on the dexter a chevron between three crosses paty and the sinister a quadrangular castle.

The coat of arms is surmounted with a bright cut engraved crest displaying a tent adorned or lined charged in the interior with a cross paty of the third.

The plain waisted upper portion is encompassed with a Fine and impressive applied gadroon decorated border to the flared rim.

This antique soup tureen retains the original impressive hallmarked push fit cover ornamented with further chased fluted decoration to the domed portion, in addition to a bright cut engraved crest to either side, identical to that to the body.

The impressive cover is surmounted by the original reed decorated handle ornamented with impressive leaf designs.

This antique George IV soup tureen is fitted with two further handles embellished with reed decoration and a leaf decorated collar to the centre of the handpiece.

Each handle is ornamented with large and impressive leaf decorated terminals in junction with the fluted body.

This soup tureen is supported by four exceptional and large Regency style feet, each accented with scrolling leaf designs and floral motifs, incorporating a floral spray above a paw foot.

This magnificent silver soup tureen was crafted by James Barber & William Whitwell in York, England; large pieces of silver bearing the York town mark are rare to the market.

* The crest and dexter portion of the coat of arms pertains to the Empson family, the sinister for Rawson. Amaziah Empson and Ellen Rawson were married on 15th December 1814.

Further detailed information available on request.

Condition
This antique soup tureen is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The applied decoration is very sharp and the bright cut engraved coat of arms are very crisp. Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the body and cover are all very clear in keeping with age and location.

Dimensions
Length across handles 28.5cm/11.2″,
length of body 30.5cm/12″,
width of body 21cm/8.3″,
height to top of handle 29cm/11.4″

Weight
98 troy ounces/3048g.

Maker: James Barber & William Whitwell.
Origin: York, England.
Date: 1821.

Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.