This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian sterling silver vase has a circular baluster form.
The body of this antique silver vase is encompassed with cast and applied mythological characters, attired in floating fabric and bearing various lion pelts, Thyrsis* and torches.
One side of the vase bears a cast and applied sacrificial tripod entwined with two snakes in a caduceus style.
This segmented frieze/scene surmounts a girdle and fluted decoration.
The upper portion of the body bears an impressive interlacing border, to further fluted decoration.
The swept neck of the vase is embellished with impressive fruiting vine decoration, incorporating grape clusters the anterior and posterior portions.
The rounded upper portion is encompassed with a stylised leaf decorated border to an egg and tongue decorated border to the upper rim.
This silver centrepiece is fitted with an exceptional pair of cast and applied handles accented with floral rosettes and reed decorated handpieces, bearing bifurcating lower terminals modelled in the form of bird heads.
This large Victorian silver vase centrepiece is supported by a circular rope-twist decorated knopped pedestal foot accented with a further stylised leaf decoration and fluted designs, to a plain rim.
Such large and exceptional regimental examples are becoming increasingly difficult to locate; this presentation vase was acquired from the Berwick regiment and Kings Own Scottish Border Museum.
A grand antique silver vase from the King's Own Scottish Borderers Museum in Berwick is a rare historical artifact, ideal for display in heritage collections, stately homes or formal settings. Its provenance and scale make it a striking addition to mantelpieces, dining rooms or for ceremonial use. A distinguished piece for collectors of regimental memorabilia, military history or Scottish heritage.
NOTE: * Thyrsis - A fennel staff tipped with a pine cone and twinned with ivy, carried by Dionysus/Bacchus (the God of the grape harvest, wine and winemaking).
Maker: S Smith & Son
Date: 1875
