Rare, Art Nouveau Victorian Antique Silver Plated Flatware, 24 Pieces, Pattern, Columbia

This is an very beautiful antique set which shows the patina of 112 years of gentle use.
12 forks, 12 knives
Highly Desirable: Fine, heavily silverplated patterns such as Columbia, from the period between 1890 and 1910 are considered extremely desirable by collectors. This pattern is rated "Highly Desirable" in antique and antique silver publications, prized not only for its remarkable, and exquisitely ornate Victorian beauty, but also because of its unique historical significance.
Pattern: Columbia
Period: American Victorian Era
Hallmark: 1847 Rogers. (manufactured by Meriden Britannia Company, which became part of International Silver)

A Lavish Introduction: The exquisite Columbia pattern, created in 1892, was manufactured for only about 20 years.

The Columbia pattern was specifically designed to be featured at the 1893 World's Fair Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago, Illinois.

The theme of the Columbian Exposition was designed to mark the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the Western Hemisphere and celebrate his landing in America. Officially dedicated on October 12, 1892, the Exposition of 1893 ran from May through October, 1893 and was attended by over 27 million people, almost half of the total number of people then living in the United States.

Chicago's Jackson Park, then little more than a swamp, was transformed into a fabulous White City of classic buildings, statues and fountains.

About the Design: The design has been rather aptly described as "exuberant Art Nouveau with roccoco flourishes and shells, fish-like scales and swoops". The pattern does not however, as occasionally (and eroneously) reported, include a stylized dolphin, since dolphin (porpoise) are not equipped with scales. Instead, that portion of Columbia's unique design which incorporates gleaming silver scales, was intended to convey the fanciful suggestion of a whimsical, romanticized sea serpent, cresting above the waves. Similarly, the rounded area (which enjoys greater prominance on the three dimensional hollow handle pieces) is suggestive of the globe, whilst the silver wave which rushes forth above it, spanning approximately half the world's distance, cleverly incorporates a suggestion of the lavish plume of Columbus's hat, a feature prominant in the painting by Delacroix. In short, a masterful and supremely imaginative design was created by Meriden Britannia's artists, which now becomes a fascinating conversation piece for your dinner guests.

Notes: All items are sold "AS IS" so please look closely at the pictures.

Good Condition

4%

Jennifer Mitchell | (203) 912-9119 | jenluffmitchell@gmail.com

Pickup Details

Ridgefield Thrift Shop

21 B Govenor Street, Ridgefield CT 06877

When to Pickup

Friday, 5/14, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

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