This exceptional antique George IV sterling silver egg cruet set consists of three egg cups and three associated spoons, displayed on a functional original purpose-made stand.
The original hallmarked egg cups have a bell shaped form onto a circular spreading pedestal foot.
These silver egg cups are embellished with cast and applied floral and foliate decorated borders to the upper portions, in addition to a band of leaf decoration to the each foot.
The three associated hallmarked English sterling silver spoons have a plain tapering form with leaf ornamentation to the terminals.
This silver cruet set is supported and displayed on the original and impressive cast sterling silver circular rounded stand, ornamented with foliate decoration.
The surface of the stand bears three circular receivers enabling the egg cups to stand securely in situ; these supports alternate with integrated receivers for the three egg spoons.
The receivers surmount an exceptional pedestal constructed of three putto* figures stood with their arms elevated, bracing scrolling supports to the plain circular boss.
The original antique stand features a central carrying handle modelled in the form of a foliate wreath.
Each antique egg cup and egg spoon retains the original gilt interior.
The initials displayed within the maker's marks, in addition to the standardisation of the surround could pertain to a multitude of antique silversmiths; these silvermsiths include William Eaton, Ellerby, Esterbrook and Eley II.
* In art and culture, a putto (plural: putti) is a chubby male child, usually nude and occasionally bearing wings.
Maker: Unknown
Date: 1822 / 1826
