What is an epergne used for?

An epergne served as a grand multi-tiered centrepiece on formal dining tables, holding fruit, sweetmeats, or floral displays across its central trumpet and hanging baskets. Victorian hosts utilised these dramatic centrepieces to add height and visual complexity to elaborate multi-course meals.

How do I clean antique silver plate?

Silver plate requires gentle cleaning with a specialised non-abrasive silver polish and a soft cloth to preserve the thin layer of silver over the base metal. Aggressive scrubbing will wear through the plating over time, exposing the underlying brass or copper.

What is the difference between silver plate and sterling silver?

Sterling silver contains a guaranteed minimum of solid silver alloy throughout the entire object, whereas silver plate applies a thin coating of silver over a base metal such as copper or nickel brass. Hallmarks stamped into the metal usually clarify the standard and origin of the piece.

Can I use an antique bowl for serving food?

Many antique bowls and baskets were originally designed for fruit, bread, or bonbons and remain suitable for dry foodstuffs today. Items featuring uranium glass or older soldered joints require careful hand washing rather than immersion or machine cleaning.

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Vintage Table Centrepiece

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A vintage table centrepiece anchors a dining room or sideboard, bringing together period materials and distinct decorative forms from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.