Henry Holland, London 1875, Cast Figure Sterling Silver Sugar Sifter

This 8" long, 2.3 T. oz., solid silver sugar sifter is high Victorian in style. It is also a study in the silversmithing art.

Hallmarked for London, 1875-76, sterling, with a Queen's duty head, and "HH" for maker Henry Holland (later Holland, Aldwinckle & Slater), it carries considerable provenance. Holland and the subsequent firm were recognized as one of the most significant English silver manufacturers of their time.

This is artful in multiple ways.

First to be noted is the overall proportions and fine crafting.

The 2 1/4" diameter, 3/4" deep, pierced bowl with a faint gold finish on the interior (see enlargement 2), is perfectly balanced with the faceted handle modeled after a traditional English 16th or 17th century Seal Top spoon.

The flat surface of the handle end serves as a pediment to support a fully articulated, cast, standing, figure. He appears to be a buccaneer, with a circle beard, wearing a frock coat, shod in high, flaring boots, doffed with a plumed hat, adorned with a bandolier or sash across his chest attached to a sword at his side, and with outstretched arms.

All in all, he is a commanding figure and very finely articulated.

This has never been monogrammed or inscribed.

Apart from some loss of the gold finish in the bowl, the piece belies its age and suggests it was little used. There are no dents, bends, significant scratches, or damage to the casting, and the finish is possesses a warm patina.