What is a glass table centrepiece used for?

These pieces served as the decorative focal point of formal dining tables, often holding fruit, flowers, sweetmeats or condiments. In grand dining rooms, multi-tiered epergnes held trailing blooms and sweet dishes, while smaller silver-mounted bowls graced domestic sideboards.

How do I identify a Victorian epergne?

Victorian epergnes typically feature hand-blown glass with ruffled rims, often in cranberry or vaseline hues, fitted with multiple trumpets. They frequently sit upon a matching glass base or a silver plated wirework frame characteristic of nineteenth-century manufacturing methods.

What is the difference between crystal and glass?

Crystal contains added minerals such as lead oxide, which increases the weight, refractive index and clarity of the material. This composition allows for deeper, sharper cutting and produces a resonant ring when struck, distinguishing it from standard soda-lime glass.

How should I clean a silver mounted glass piece?

The glass insert should be removed from its metal mount and washed separately in warm soapy water using a soft cloth. Silver or gilt bronze frames require dry dusting or targeted polishing with a non-abrasive cloth, taking care to avoid getting polish on the glass or fabric liners.