This small urn is a good piece of late Victorian silver plate made by well-known Sheffield silversmith firm James Dixon & Sons. Founded in 1806, they became one of the most successful of fine pewterware, Britannia metal, and electroplated silver throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries and were particularly famous for mastering electroplating over a Britannia metal core alloy, which allowed them to sculpt highly dramatic, heavy details like these acanthus panels without the massive weight and price tag of solid sterling silver - such as with this urn.
The lower half of the main basin is enveloped in deeply embossed, high-relief acanthus leaves, a classical Greco-Roman architectural motif heavily revived by Victorian master silversmiths to denote luxury and status.Both the top rim of the bowl and the intermediate shoulder section feature a beautifully cast gadroon border (an ornamental design consisting of repeating convex ridges), paired with a delicate beaded edge along the very lip.
The footed silhouette mimics a classical Georgian presentation bowl or chalice. The deep basin flares outward subtly over a short, tiered pedestal stem and a domed, weighted circular base.
Based on the weight of the casting, the style of the gadrooning, and the specific crispness of the repoussé work, this piece dates to the late Victorian or Edwardian era c 1890–1910.
The urn is in very good condition and is waterproof. Planted with the outrageously camp Begonia ' Du Borias' which will flower for simply ages and can then be planted out into the garden in a protected place like a patio.
Our potted plants come with carefully researched provenances and detailed plant care instructions. We also offer gift wrap using Cambridge Imprint paper and a handwritten card.
Packed very carefully with recycled packaging and shipped overnight with Royal Mail Tracked 24 within 5 working days. Please note we do not ship on Thursday, Friday or Saturday to avoid boxes sitting in warehouses over the weekend. Please let us know if your plant has a specific deadline.
H: 15.5cm
W: 20.5cm
