Late Victorian Sterling Silver Repoussé Bowl by Horace Woodward & Co.
Hollowware · Horace Woodward & Co. (often abbreviated as H.W. & Co.). The firm was a highly reputable Victorian silversmith established in Birmingham, later expanding to London, known for high-quality decorative hollowware and innovative plated goods.
Pattern: Repoussé Rose and Foliate Pattern; a classic Victorian design likely produced during the late 19th-century boom of decorative silver.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Horace Woodward & Co. (often abbreviated as H.W. & Co.). The firm was a highly reputable Victorian silversmith established in Birmingham, later expanding to London, known for high-quality decorative hollowware and innovative plated goods.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid silver throughout as indicated by the hallmarks.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) based on hallmark scale. Estimated weight between 150-300 grams depending on gauge.
Description
An exquisite example of late 19th-century British silversmithing, this bowl features a dense, rhythmic border of roses and acanthus leaves. The contrast between the busy, textured rim and the smooth, reflective center creates a classic Victorian silhouette that was a staple of high-society sideboards.
Key Features
Deeply struck London hallmarks positioned unconventionaly in the center; high-relief repoussé work; distinct Horace Woodward maker's mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid silver throughout as indicated by the hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Features a heavy repoussé and chased floral border with deep oxidation in the recesses to highlight the relief. The center is a plain, mirror-polished well showing heavy tarnish and 'firestain' spotting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British hallmarks: Lion Passant (denoting .925 sterling), Leopard's Head (London assay office), and a date letter (likely 'v' for 1896 or 'a' for 1896-1916 depending on exact shield shape). Maker's mark 'HW & Co' in a trefoil or rectangular frame.
Construction Details
The bowl was likely raised from a flat sheet of silver with the decorative border either hand-chased or die-rolled and hand-finished. Hallmarks are struck in the center-well, which is typical for deep bowls.
Functional Features
Wide, flared decorative rim designed for fruit, sweets, or as a finger bowl; low center of gravity for stability on a dining surface.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; this is a tradition circular form where the rim itself serves as the lifting point.
Craftsmanship Details
Good commercial quality; the repoussé is crisp and the hallmarks are well-struck without pushing through the metal, indicating a heavy gauge silver sheet was used.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is excellent; the spacing and alignment of the Lion Passant and Leopard's head are consistent with late 19th-century London strikes. The wear patterns on the raised flower petals suggest genuine age.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Manufactured by Horace Woodward & Co. at their London workshop located at Holborn Viaduct.
Era & Period
Late Victorian Era (c. 1890-1901). The heavy floral repoussé style is quintessential of the period's preference for ornament and horror vacui design philosophy.
Age Estimate
Circa 1896-1900 based on the hallmark style and the particular 'HW & Co' stamp used after the firm became a limited company.
Cultural Significance
Such bowls were part of the expanding 'middle floor' of Victorian domestic life, where silver at every meal was a requirement for demonstrating middle-class status and refinement.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The surface shows significant tarnish and 'leopard spotting' (sulfide deposits), likely from long-term storage in a humid environment. There are no visible cracks, but the strike of the hallmarks has caused slight thinning in the silver bed.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD depending on final weight and the successful removal of the heavy tarnish spotting.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) to remove sulfur spots. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which may strip the intentional oxidation from the decorative rim.
Similar Pieces
Similar bowls by Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co from the same era; noted difference is typically in the specific floral species used in the repoussé.
Interesting Facts
Horace Woodward & Co. won several awards at international exhibitions, including the 1851 Great Exhibition, though this piece represents leur later commercial success in the luxury retail market.