How were these centrepieces used historically?

Historically, they stood in the middle of dining tables during formal meals to hold fruit, sweetmeats or floral arrangements. Paired candelabra were often placed alongside them to provide ambient lighting from burning candles. In grand salons, identical pieces functioned purely as decorative objects of status, reflecting candlelight off polished mahogany surfaces.

How do I clean an ormolu or brass centrepiece?

Dust gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent dirt accumulation in the recessed chased details of the metal. Avoid harsh commercial metal polishes, which can strip away the original gilding or patination. Glass inserts can be removed and washed in warm soapy water, provided they are dried thoroughly before being placed back into the metal mounts.

How can I tell Empire style from Rococo Revival?

Empire style pieces, originating from the early nineteenth century, display formal symmetry, classical motifs such as wreaths and paws, and strict geometric proportions. They emphasise military and classical authority. Rococo Revival pieces, common later in the nineteenth century, feature asymmetric scrolls, naturalistic foliage, C-scrolls and flowing, organic curves reminiscent of eighteenth-century French design.