A Victorian silver centrepiece epergne by Horace Woodward & Co.

A Victorian silver centrepiece epergne by Horace Woodward & Co., London 1877, with a cut and frosted glass circular bowl resting on a reeded support, a spherical knop applied with three lion masks with rings, joined by a silver plated chain, a fluted column, an ovoid lower knop with three detachable scrolling arms with dragon terminal supporting conforming smaller bowls, on a circular partly fluted base with three lion paw feet, engraved on the base with a crest and motto, the mirrored plateau on three anthemion and scroll feet and engraved with an inscription, marked on base, epergne and branches, 52.5cm (20 1/2in) high overall, 1961g (63 oz) weighable, in a fitted oak case with plaque inscribed 'W. H. G. Bagshawe Esq.'

The inscription engraved on the mirrored plateau reads 'Presented to W. H. G. Bagshawe Esquire, QC, by many grateful shareholders of the British Nation Life Assurance Association rescued by his able advocacy before the Court of appeal on the 28th of January 1878, From Threatened Unlimited Liability for the Engagement of the British Commercial Insurance Company'.

The crest and motto for BAGSHAW and BAGSHAWE.

Provenance: Presented to William Henry Gunning Bagshawe, QC (1825-1901); anonymous sale, Sotheby's, 10 February 1983, lot 201.