Charles Stuart Harris Neoclassical Sterling Silver Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a pedestal bowl or teapot) · Charles Stuart Harris (C.S.H), London. Active late 19th to early 20th century, notably transitioning from Victorian to Edwardian styles with high prestige for traditional design.
Pattern: Classical Revival/Neoclassical
Type
Hollowware (likely a pedestal bowl or teapot)
Maker
Charles Stuart Harris (C.S.H), London. Active late 19th to early 20th century, notably transitioning from Victorian to Edwardian styles with high prestige for traditional design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Typical hollowware range: 15-25cm height; estimated weight between 400g and 800g depending on specific form.
Description
This piece showcases the restrained elegance of late 19th-century London silver. Produced by Charles Stuart Harris, a master of historicism, the work balances substantial gauge silver with refined neoclassical proportions.
Key Features
Distinctive C.S.H hallmark in a four-part rectangular punch; high-lustre mirror finish; crisp, well-preserved assay marks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished body with likely gadrooned or beaded borders characteristic of C.S. Harris, featuring a clean, unadorned central field.
Hallmarks & Stamps
C.S.H (Maker's mark for Charles Stuart Harris), Lion Passant (British Sterling standard), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), and likely a lowercase 'k' or 'o' date letter (1885-1910 range).
Construction Details
Hand-raised from sheet silver with applied cast borders and hand-soldered components.
Functional Features
Traditional utility piece; features may include a high-domed lid or a stable pedestal base.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver handles if present, likely in scroll or D-shape consistent with mid-Victorian revivalism.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-finishing on the interior surfaces and clean, seamless solder lines at the joints and borders.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark sequence (Maker-Standard-City-Date) is perfectly aligned and die-struck with appropriate depth for the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England; manufactured in the renowned silver-working district of Clerkenwell.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Edwardian (Late 19th Century)
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1905, based on the font of the maker's stamp and the shape of the assay shield.
Cultural Significance
Represents the late 19th-century British preference for 'Old English' styles as a reaction against the overly ornate flamboyance of mid-Victorian design.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Shows minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle cleaning; hallmarks are deep and clear indicating minimal over-polishing.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,500 USD depending on the specific object form (Bowl vs Coffee Pot).
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild detergent; polish with high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft cotton cloth; avoid silver dips.
Similar Pieces
Identical pieces by William Comyns or Mappin & Webb; Harris's work is generally heavier in gauge than Comyns contemporary pieces.
Interesting Facts
Charles Stuart Harris was specifically known for his 'Queen Anne' style revivals which became highly fashionable during the late Victorian era.