Gilt metal centrepiece suite for the Duke of Sparta by Elkington & Co.

Gilt metal centrepiece suite for the Duke of Sparta by Elkington & Co.
English, Late 19th Century
Centrepiece: Height 58cm, width 81cm, depth 35cm
Candelabra: Height 66cm, diameter 40cm
 
Crafted in the late 19th century as a wedding gift for the Duke of Sparta (also known as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Greece), this magnificent centrepiece suite comprises five pieces. Elkington & Co., the renowned English silversmiths, used the electroplating technique to create these beautiful home décor pieces paired with clear and coloured glass.
 
Centring the pair of candelabra is a prominent vase decorated with charming scenes of putti holding grapevines. Topping the vases are five scrolling arms, each one with a candle holder. Below sit two large putti holding a torch and a laurel leaf crown. The base is of a quatrefoil shape and is further adorned with foliate motifs.
 
The impressive centrepiece includes two shell-shaped bowls with foliate garlands draped around them. Each one has a glass inset, the edges rising above the gilt metal creating a wonderful design accent. Surmounting the piece is a pierced gilt metal bowl also with a glass inset. It is centred by a figure holding a torch and a shield. All bowls are flanked by a pair of putti on each side. These are holding a garland of flowers as well as a bow and arrow. In the centre is another pair of putti framing an escutcheon with an engraved coat of arms.
 
Completing the suite are two bowls. From the quatrefoil-shaped base extend elegantly decorated bowls which are filled with a glass inset. Their design matches the rest of the set.
 
The suite includes two sets of glass insets – one crafted from red glass and the other from clear cut glass.
 
Maker’s marks as well as other hallmarks feature on the underside of the pieces.
 
This centrepiece suite is mentioned in The Lady’s Newspaper from 2 November 1889 where it is described as a ‘Gold dessert service presented to the Duke of Sparta as a wedding gift, by two Greek gentlemen resident in London’.
 
The fascinating provenance as well as the superb design guarantee that this centrepiece suite would be an attention-grabbing addition to one’s interior setting.
 
Artist/Maker: Elkington & Co.