This exceptional antique ViCtorian sterling silver soup tureen has an oval rounded form.

Either side of the tureen is ornamented with two large oval cartouches bordered with bright cut engraved scrolling leaf designs accented with palmette style motifs and incorporating a matte background.

One cartouche remains vacant and the other is embellished with a bright cut engraved crest of a dexter arm holding in the hand a quiver full of arrows fesseways.

The flared rim of the body is encircled with a fine and impressive applied gadroon decorated border accented with four scrolling leaf designs alternating with four leaf motifs.

This large soup tureen retains the original impressive hallmarked push fit domed quatrefoil panelled cover surmounted by the original ring style handle accented with further gadroon style decoration with scrolling leaf design to the upper portion; the handle reflects the design of the aforementioned rim.

Each panel of the cover is embellished with further bright cut engraved scrolling leaf designs incorporating four bordered oval cartouches, the two at either end are ornamented with floral and foliate decoration, one side remains vacant, and the other portraying the same crest as the body.

This impressive example of antique silverware retains the original plain and unembellished eleCtroplated silver removable liner crafted by Elkington & Co.

This ViCtorian tureen is fitted with two exceptional shaped handles ornamented with bead decorated handpieces with fine and impressive scrolling, bead and leaf decorated sockets.

This large soup tureen is supported by four exceptional feet ornamented with embossed and chased leaf motifs and scrolling, bead bordered sockets.

This sterling silver tureen is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

This tureen has some natural fire marks and small blemishes as to be expeCted; these do not detract from the exceptional aesthetic appearance of the piece.

The bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp and the embossed and chased ornamentation is very sharp.

Full hallmarks struck to surface of the cover and underside of the body, and part hallmarks to the handle are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of ViCtorian silverware.

Length across handles 39.5cm/15.6"

Length of body 31cm/12.25"

Width of body 25cm/9.8"

Height to rim of body 14.7/5.8"

Height to top of cover handle 27.5cm/10.8"

128 troy ounces/3981g (excluding eleCtroplated silver liner)

Date: 1871

Origin: London, England

Maker: Martin, Hall & Co (Richard Martin & Ebenezer Hall)