This magnificent antique George IV sterling silver Warwick vase has a Campania shaped form onto a circular pedestal spreading foot and plain square base.
The body of the vase is ornamented with fine and impressive cast and applied decoration depicting two lions' pelts with pendant arms and paws.
Either side of the body of this fine vase is further ornamented with thyrsi* and classic mask style heads resting on plinths.
The upper portion of the body is embellished with impressive applied grape and vine decoration.
This silver Warwick vase is further encircled with a band of egg and tongue decoration, in addition to a bead ornamented border to the rim.
The lower portion of the body is ornamented with cast and applied acanthus leaf decoration around the foot socket.
The knop to the pedestal foot is encircled with a band of applied egg decoration.
This classic and versatile vase retains the original hallmarked detachable, screw fit tap and spigot; this transforms the vase into a large and impressive antique samovar.
The tap is embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest of armoured arm embowed grasping an arrow**, in addition to a large applied decorated single leaf design to the lip.
The spigot handle is embellished with exceptional scrolling leaf decoration.
This rare style Warwick vase retains the original cork and sterling silver stopper ornamented with a single floral design; this replaces the tap whilst the teaware portion is idle.
This fine example of antique silverware retains the original hallmarked sterling silver plain domed cover surmounted with a large and impressive hallmarked gourd and foliate finial.
By virtue of its size, this versatile vessel could accommodate a multitude of champagne bottles and be used as a cooler in addition to an imposing presentation cup and cover.
This large vase is fitted with magnificent silver bifurcating handles modelled in the form of entwined fennel stalks accented with chased and embossed leaf decoration.
The vase is supported by a plain square base encompassed with the impressive bright cut engraved inscription 'To Mrs Thurburn, from her Uncle, 1828'.
The underside of the vase bears the inscription 'to Mrs Thurburn from her Uncle, 1828' in addition to Gray, Billiter Square, London - Fecit.
Period examples such as this are rare to the market; however the versatility of this dual purpose vase converting to a samovar make it exceptionally rare.
* 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)
** This crest pertains to the family name Thurburn
Maker: Waterhouse, Hodson & Co
