Antique Arts and Crafts Sterling Silver Mounted Coconut Bowl

This exceptional antique George V sterling silver mounted coconut bowl has a circular rounded form onto a collet foot.

This antique coconut bowl retains the original sterling silver mount and hinged strapping system securing the natural vessel.

The upper portion of this antique bowl is encircled with the original hallmarked sterling silver shaped border to the rim embellished with engraved simplified leaf designs.

Each vertical strap is embellished with an engraved undulating vine design, reflecting the Arts & Crafts style.

The plain coconut vessel surmounts a fine and impressive hallmarked sterling silver collet style foot, accented with pinstruck ornamentation in addition to simplistic floral motifs.

This exceptional bowl was crafted by the London silversmiths The Artificers’ Guild Ltd; this Guild was founded by the known metalsmith and enameller Nelson Dawson in 1901 and was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Note: Coconut cups were popular in the late 15th and early 16th centuries as it was believed that the shell of the coconut would act as a natural defence against poison. The shells shape and scarcity of the commodity enabled the wealthy to mount the shells in precious metals to allow them to be used as respectable and highly treasured drinking vessels.

Condition
This antique coconut bowl is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The engraved and pinstruck ornamentation is all very crisp. Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the rim and part hallmarks to the foot are all very clear.

Dimensions
Diameter of rim 12.9 cm / 5.1″
Diameter of foot 6.1 cm / 2.4″
Height 5.8 cm / 2.3″

Weight
An accurate weight of silver cannot be provided as bowl has a coconut vessel.

Maker: The Artificers’ Guild Ltd
Date: 1928
Origin: London, England

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

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