Victorian Era Grapevine Motif Silver-Mounted Ostrich Egg Cup on Marble Base
Decorative Object / Centerpiece · Attributed to Elkington & Co. or similar Continental workshop. Such pieces were often 'Objets de Vertu' created by master silversmiths specializing in naturalistic mounting for cabinets of curiosity.
Pattern: Naturalistic Vine and Viticulture Pattern, typical of mid-19th century exhibition pieces; no specific named collection code is visible.
Type
Decorative Object / Centerpiece
Maker
Attributed to Elkington & Co. or similar Continental workshop. Such pieces were often 'Objets de Vertu' created by master silversmiths specializing in naturalistic mounting for cabinets of curiosity.
Material
Coin Silver (.900) or Sterling Silver (.925) mounts; mounted upon a polished black marble or Portoro marble base with an organic ostrich egg shell bowl.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 12-15 inches; weight is significant due to the stone base, while the silver components likely weigh 10-15 troy ounces.
Description
A magnificent Victorian centerpiece featuring a genuine ostrich egg shell cradled in an intricate web of silver grapevines. The vines weave upward from a black marble base, forming a trunk that supports the egg while spilling over with heavy grape clusters. It is an exquisite example of Victorian extravagance.
Key Features
Intertwined vine trunk, delicate silver tendrils, contrasting black marble base, and the preservation of the fragile ostrich egg shell surface.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver (.900) or Sterling Silver (.925) mounts; mounted upon a polished black marble or Portoro marble base with an organic ostrich egg shell bowl.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and high-polish silver finish featuring naturalistic grapevine casting, scrolling tendrils, repoussé leaves, and clusters of grapes. The style is Grand Victorian Rococo Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are likely located on the under-rim of the silver egg collar or the bottom silver ring; given the style, expected marks include a maker's cartouche and a fineness stamp (e.g., '800' or '925').
Construction Details
Lost-wax casting for the vine elements, hand-chased leaf details, and tension-fit mounting for the egg shell. The silver vines are pinned or threaded into the marble base.
Functional Features
Removable egg shell bowl (decorative); the base features a tri-cornered concave marble design to provide stability for the heavy mounting.
Handle & Grip Details
Central stem constructed of intertwined silver vines acting as the support pillar; designed for display rather than handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb three-dimensional casting; the lifelike texture of the grape skins and the serrated edges of the leaves indicate high-tier artisanal bench work.
Authentication Indicators
The complex 'under-cutting' in the silver casting and the specific patina of the marble suggest an original 19th-century piece rather than a modern reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely English (London/Birmingham) or German (Hanau), known for high-quality silver-mounted natural history specimens.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (c. 1860-1880), reflecting the period's obsession with 'Naturalism' and the blending of exotic specimens with precious metals.
Age Estimate
Circa 1870, based on the specific style of the foliate casting and the use of the marble pedestal base.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of wealth and global reach during the colonial era, representing the owner's appreciation for both natural science and fine art.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The marble shows typical age-related crazing/webbing; silver shows localized tarnish in deep recesses of the vine clusters. No visible cracks in the egg shell.
Value Estimate
$2,500 - $4,500 USD, depending on the specific maker's mark and the intactness of the fragile egg shell.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft brush; avoid liquid silver dips which may damage the egg shell or marble. Use a dry silver cloth only on accessible silver areas.
Similar Pieces
Silver-mounted Nautilus shells by Garrard or Faberge-style stone-based centerpieces; these differ by utilizing seashells or semi-precious stones instead of avian specimens.
Interesting Facts
Ostrich eggs were considered exotic rarities in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often mounted in silver to be showcased in 'Wunderkammers' or rooms of wonder.