Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Spirit Kettle by Barnard & Sons Ltd

This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver spirit kettle has a six paneled urn shaped form onto a hexagonal paneled spreading pedestal foot.

The surface to this large spirit kettle is embellished with exceptional bright cut engraved foliate festoons incorporating quatrefoil leaf motifs and suspended from rosette designs to each edge.

The decoration to the body incorporates two oval cartouches, one of which remains vacant.

The cartouche to the anterior surface is embellished with a contemporary bright cut engraved crest of an antelope’s head couped, charged on the neck with four mullets in cross, and holding in the mouth a rose, slipped and leaved, displayed below the motto ‘Nil extra numerum’- Nothing is beyond reckoning up*.

The upper portion of the kettle is embellished with bands of bright cut engraved undulating borders paralleling the shape of the shoulders.

This antique silver kettle is fitted with a flush hinged hallmarked cover encircled with further bright cut engraved undulating borders; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece.

The cover is surmounted with the original sterling silver panelled urn style finial encompassed with bright cut engraved scalloped decoration.

This fine and large example of antique teaware is fitted with an impressive hallmarked sterling silver scrolling handle ornamented with impressive leaf decoration enveloping the terminals, in addition to large impressive splayed leaf decorated sockets.

The kettle detaches from the original hallmarked sterling silver stand, supported by three impressive cast scrolling legs, each ornamented with tiered lobed designs with a rams head to the upper portion and textured hoof foot.

The stand is further encompassed with three cast and applied laurel festoons.

The upper swept portion of the stand is embellished with further bright cut engraved undulating borders and foliate festoons, reflecting the same style to that of the body.

The stand incorporates a plain scrolling frame which retains the original hallmarked detachable spirit burner with integrated snuffer.

The spirit kettle stand is fitted with the original chains and security pegs.

The underside of the kettle bears the ‘lozenge mark’ which certifies the patent of this piece on 3rd April 1873 with the UK Patent Office.

This exceptional spirit kettle was crafted by the notable and collectable silversmiths John, Edward, Walter & John Barnard of Barnard & Sons Ltd.

This crest pertains to the Randall family of Binfield, Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Condition
This antique Victorian silver spirit kettle is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The cast decoration is very sharp and the bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the kettle and spirit burner, and part hallmarks to the stand, kettle handle and cover are all very clear.

Dimensions
Height to top of handle 47.4cm/18.7″.
Length from back of body to tip of spout 26.8cm/10.6″.
Width of body 20.9cm/8.2″.

Total weight
77.2 troy ounces/2402g.

Maker: Barnard & Sons Ltd (John, Edward, Walter & John).
Origin: London, England.
Date: 1873.

Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of Victorian teaware.