Truly a rare (I would guess a commissioned item) cruet set with a gardening theme; the feet on each corner of the triangular base are made from cannon balls and three cannons sit on top.I can only guess that this was made for a grand house or castle with an important garden and cannons were present; these elements then incorporated into this completely hand-made piece; something I have never seen before and will not again.The central column is created from a rake, spade or shovel and a pitch form rising out of a naturalistic tree trunk base. On top of the base sits an open salt (with working front wheel) with spoon, a pepper pot in the form of a handled bucket or pail and lastly a watering can (the sprinkler unscrews) with spoon as a mustard pot. All beautifully executed.There are then three grand glass ferns which again hand made and each with a little pin to sit into the three holders. Quite exceptional.The underside of the stand is signed by the silversmith, PADLEY, PARKIN & STANIFORTH of Sheffield. Active (1846-1875) at 1 Watson Walk, Sheffield and 215 Salisbury Street, London. The piece is also lucky enough to have an English design registration diamond shaped lozenge which allows us to date the design accurately to May 17th, 1858.Excellent condition measuring approximately 10 1/4'' x 10 1/4'' x 11'' tall. Item: 42082FREE Worldwide Registered Airmail Directly From the UK FREE Worldwide Shipping Directly From London, England Height is 27.9cm (11.0inches)
Width is 26cm (10.2inches)
Depth is 26cm (10.2inches)