$1,500
Thomas Smiley (English, active c. 1858-70), circa 1859. A very fine three piece sterling silver tea service comprising a teapot, a creamer, and a double handled open sugar, each piece with intricate and elaborate repousse decoration with bell flowers, c scrolls, acanthus leaves, scaling, shells, grotesque masks, diaper patterning, and further foliate and floral patterning, each piece of teardrop or pear form raised on four splayed scroll feet and with c-form handles adorned with acanthus leaves, the teapot with figural eagle finial to lid. Interior of sugar and creamer with remnants of gold wash. Each piece with heraldic boar head mark. Each piece marked to underside with 925 standard mark, London city mark, date mark for 1859, Queen Victoria duty mark used between 1838-1890, and maker's mark of the letters T and S within conjoined circles. Lid of teapot also marked to interior with maker's, standard, and date marks. Teapot approximate height 20", spout to handle 9.5". Sugar approximate height 4.25", width across handles 8.75". Creamer approximate height 4", spout to handle 6.25". Total approximate weight 53.1 troy ounces.
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2015-10-17
