Comyns, London 1898 Sterling Silver Tall Chased & Reticulated Vase

This all silver (not weighted, although it may have been originally) vase stands 10" tall on a 2 5/8" wide, tiered, base and weighs 7.8 T. oz.

It is hallmarked for "sterling silver," "London," "1898," and prominent English maker "William Comyns & Sons, Ltd."

Trumpet form, it has tapered sides that lead to a splayed top that measures 4 1/2" in diameter.

The uppermost 1 1/2" of the body, essentially the splayed area, features open leaf and flower (perhaps thistle) cutwork with line engraving detailing.

The underside of the rim has a cast and applied rococo style shell and scroll motif border.

The lower portion of the body where it joins the base, is chased in a repousse leaf and floral raised pattern that includes, again, possibly thistles along with other flower blossoms. This has something of an Art Nouveau character to it, which would be appropriate for the date.

There is a lined script "MSL" monogram engraved midway up the sidewall.

The entire piece is finished in a gold wash, bright on all surfaces, save for the base which is matte. The gold is intact save for a large patch on the side--some overlapping and to the right of the monogram--where it has been polished away.

Apart from the loss of the gold, there is no apparent evidence this was ever used. It sits evenly, is free of any dents, dings or nicks. The engraving, repousse, and reticulation are all as created, and the overall surface is smooth and even.

Please see both sets of enlargements.