Odds & Ends of the Table Not Seen Recently

There are several pieces of sterling holloware that now exist primarily in collectors' hands.  These are pieces that were seen on the tables of the wealthy in the mid 16th century through the mid 20th century.  Mr. Bowen supposes that someone, somewhere may use these pieces on special occasions, but for the most part have gone extinct.

The first such piece for discussion is the epergne.  This is an often ornate tiered centerpiece consisting typically of a frame of wrought metal bearing bowls, vases (for flowers), or candle holders or a combination of these.  Typically though, there is usually one large bowl at the top on a pedestal with between 3-6 smaller bowls on branches or arms.  Sometimes the smaller bowls are movable from side to side.

The purpose of the epergne was several fold in addition to being centerpiece of the table.  It was also used to serve dessert, nuts, fruits and other items meant to be served sparingly.  Georgian examples of an epergne in sterling silver are rather expensive in the range of $30,000 & up.

Another holloware piece not seen recently is the tureen.  This is a large covered dish from which soup is served.  These are sometimes seen today in materials other than sterling silver.  Examples in sterling are relatively hard to find except at specialized dealers.

Sandwich plates were rather ubiquitous in the era of the high tea.  As you may expect, these are plates from which sandwiches are eaten or served (depending on the formality of the meal).  These are similar in size to a dinner/service plate, but are distinguishable in that they have a very shallow well of about 5-6 inches in the center.  They are often sold as dinner plates in the online auctions.  The dealers in sterling silver know better.

What ties these types of holloware together is they are the type of pieces that one can center (no pun intended) a meal or fraction of a meal.