Antique Liberty & Co Silver Arts Crafts Wine Taster (4247)

Antique Arts and Crafts sterling silver two-handled bowl - a porringer or wine taster / quaiche.  Made by Liberty & Co. , England 1913.

Measures approx 6 1/2 inches accross. 1 3/4 inches high. Weighs 165.1grams.

Round bowl with handles on either side.

May be a porringer or a wine taster or a quaiche (Scottish marriage cup that has a similar shape to a wine taster).

Entire surface shows clear signs of hand-hammering.

Unusual handles on either side are shaped, two-dimentional with a looped handle below that.

Decoration is classic Arts and Crafts: highly controlled, simple repousse work and engraving.

The latter in the form of leafy branches, reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts fascination with peacock feathers.

The feathers are repeated in simple geometric design with a Celtic flavour that encircle the upper rim of the bowl.

The peacock feather shape is clearly echoed in the decoration of the almost-flat handles.

The bowl has an engraved dedication that reads ELIZABETH CHANDLER BINGHAM 1914.

The bowl is hallmarked underneath: 3-diamond-shaped lozenges with L & Co for Liberty and Company; anchor for Birmingham; lion passant for sterling silver and the date letter O for 1913.

Engraved number 5778 underneath the hallmarks may refer to a model number.

Condition is very good.