Epergne Plugs

Date1742-1743

Artist/Maker George Wickes (1698-1761)

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsO: plug I OL: 2 5/16" P: plug II OL: 2 5/16" Q: plug III OL: 2 5/16" R: plug IIII OL: 2 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Mary Jewett Gaiser: The Mary Jewett Gaiser Silver Collection.

Object number1993-351,1O-R

DescriptionSilver epergne (w/ stand, or plateau) formed of a central oval tureen elaborately chased and applied with foliage, scrolls, trophies and Ceres masks, raised on four foliate scroll supports terminating in shells, surmounted by a removable shaped oval dish with foliate scroll rim, flat-chased with a band of scrolling foliage enclosing engraved Earl's armorials , the sides fitted with four scrolling branches... A) Body, B) Central basket, C-F) 4 salvers, G-J) arms, K-N) 4 salvers with arms, (O-R) 4 plugs for arms (18 pieces total).
Label TextFirst used in England in the 1720s, the epergne quickly became the center of attention on the tables of the wealthy. George Wickes supplied this grand example complete with its original plateau, to Joseph Leeson for Russborough, Leeson's new country house near Dublin, Ireland.
MarkingsMarked in relief: 1) lion passant; 2) leopard's head crowned; 3) date letter "g" for 1742-43; and 4) sponsor's mark for George Wickes