How do you clean the glass liners?

Wash them by hand in warm soapy water. A soft cloth removes most dust and sticky sugar residue without scratching the surface. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Hot water can crack old blown glass instantly. Let the bowls air dry on a thick towel before returning them to the frame.

I found an antique epergne at a local estate sale but it only has three arms instead of four, so is it missing pieces or did they make them like that?

Most standard frames left the workshop with an even number of branches to maintain symmetry. A three-arm configuration usually means a piece broke off or went missing over the years. Look closely at the central column. Empty sockets or plugged holes will tell you if an arm once sat there.

Can silver branches be straightened safely?

A silversmith can often realign bent arms using gentle leverage and heat. Sterling silver takes manipulation better than plated base metals. Do not try to bend them back yourself. The metal work hardens over time and snaps under uneven pressure.

The large glass bowl in the middle of my table centrepiece wobbles quite a bit when you touch it, should it sit tightly in the metal ring or is a loose fit normal?

A slight movement is normal. Glass shrinks as it cools during making, so the bowls rarely match the metal rings precisely. Antique dealers often use small bits of felt or baize to pad the ring. This stops the glass rattling and prevents the silver from scratching the base. Do not force a tight bowl into a frame. Changes in room temperature cause the metal to contract and shatter the glass.

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Victorian Epergnes

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An antique epergne is an elaborate table centrepiece composed of a central bowl surrounded by branching arms that hold smaller dishes, designed to display fruits, sweetmeats, or flowers during formal dining.