A refined English George IV sugar bowl with a rounded body, 19th century

Antique Golden Silver Sugar Bowl London 1836 equipped with 6 teaspoons and tongs for lumps, placed in an octagonal mahogany box with a lid, complete with a working lock and a brass handle inscribed Tho.s Allen Poynder no. 6 in italics.

Thomas Henry Allen Poynder, owner of the famous Hartham Park estate, a Georgian residence in Wiltshire, England, near Corsham, from which the artifact likely originates. 

This refined English George IV sugar bowl with a rounded body, shaped like a vase with a rounded, locking lid, is made from thick silver plate of 925 fineness, richly embossed with naturalist-inspired motifs. Flowers and leaves are depicted around four shells in scrolls, motifs that follow each other up to the knob, with a flower combined on top of the lid. 

The exquisite craftsmanship is enhanced by engraved and carved ornaments, creating a continuous play of shadows and light through alternating smooth, shiny surfaces and opaque areas marked by countless traces of iron chiseling. The artifact is also gilded on the inside. 

On the body of the vase and on the edge of the lid, there are London silversmith marks RAWS 1836/37 referring to Richard William Atkins and William Nathaniel Somersell, operating in the city between 1827-1836 (registered in March 1825), on a rectangular field with rounded corners. It weighs 556 grams, stands 16.5 cm high, and has a diameter of 12.5 cm. 

Six teaspoons and tongs for lumps are cast and finely carved; they weigh 288 grams and were produced in London in 1820/21, bearing marks on the bottom of the handle and on the inside of the tongs, by silversmith Edward Farrell (1779-1850), known for exquisite and refined dagger designs in Renaissance style and for being a silversmith for the Prince of York. 

A single teaspoon was probably always modified in London in 1827/28. 

Inside the lid, there is a Catchpole & Williams Silversmiths and Jewelers label no. 120, Regent Street. 

The set comes from a private collection in Milan and has arrived in good condition; we limited ourselves to repairing the mahogany lock box, making a key, gluing the smallest chip, and polishing the box with wax. 

The numbering engraved on the case suggests that this set was matched with teapots, coffee pots, or tea caddies, which were usually created together with these refined accessories.

Exquisite antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for decorating our interiors. Currently, there is a growing number of enthusiasts for high-quality vintage items that have a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.  

There are many styles characterizing antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, notably the Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the English Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles transition into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire style furniture and accessories date from the late 18th to early 19th century, originating from the Napoleonic era. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture is associated with Louis XVI style, which also strongly references ancient architecture. Notable antique styles include Rococo and Louis XV. Baroque, derived from the Portuguese word barocco—meaning irregularly developed pearl—was highly decorative, designed to radiate splendor and play a significant role in luxury. Unique, selectively used materials were employed to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style has influenced today's classic furniture, which is designed with a strong resemblance to the former era. An equally significant style is Renaissance. Which flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries and also left a substantial mark on the art of furniture making. The Renaissance style was quite heavy and bulky. Brown stains were used, along with cornices, sturdy plinths, and bas-reliefs. It can certainly be said that these were quite distinctive products, but they offered many new possibilities, such as the construction of buffets or broadly speaking, chest furniture. Here, too, there was an interest in mythology and ancient times, so supports or legs took on animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce furniture made in this style, drawing inspiration from Italian or French artisans. This is a sign of admiration and respect for the history of the most beautiful Renaissance antiques. It is important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, so each style had its own unique character. This is very important, especially when searching for a luxurious antique that suits your interior.

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