A George III sterling silver epergne basket, London circa 1770 by Thomas Pitts

Of shaped decafoil form upon four openwork scroll bracket feet with shells, the rim with flower head bosses, an opposable shaped handle with cast and applied rocaille and openwork. The body with alternating panels of saw cur pierced decoration of quatrefoils with stars and foliate scrolls. The base with an engraved vacant erased laurel wreath cartouche. Marked with lion passant and maker’s mark only to handle and underneath.

Length – 15.3 cm / 6 inches

Weight – 208 grams / 6.69 ozt