This lovely silver comport is by Mappin & Webb, one of the most storied jewellers in England if not worldwide. First having held a Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria in 1897, they have continuously held one till the present day. Hallmarked for 1907, Sheffield.
Their quality meant that they were the silversmiths of choice for royalty around the world, including the British throne, Russian Imperial Household and multiple Indian Maharajas (one of whom ordered a bedroom suite, including a solid silver four poster bed, to be made and shipped to his palace). Other patrons included Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly and more. Churchill in particular was fond of the solid gold ashtrays, which no doubt served good stead for his cigars.
The reticulated design features beautiful craftsmanship, as expected from a firm whose jewellers are also directly appointed to serve the Crown. Lovely curlicue work which is balanced by an elegant almost bamboo like stem, which juxtaposes a dash of orientalism with the Art Nouveau flourishes. Very well priced considering the usual retail price of M & W, much less the usual prices for Mappin and Webb's antique and statelier wares.
Price marked at $2500 AUD
Measurements: 22 cm diameter, 21 cm total height, 12 cm base diameter.
