OFFERED HERE FOR YOUR BIDDING PLEASURE IS THIS ELABORATE TAZZA...OR PEDESTAL SERVING PIECE.

IT IS MADE OF SILVER PLATE. THERE ARE 4 MARKS ON THE SIDE OF THE BASE RIM. THE FIRST LOOKS TO BE A CROWN, THE SECOND POSSIBLY AN ANCHOR. THE THIRD SEEMS TO BE A HEAD BUT ALL ARE QUITE WORN SO I AM UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE MAKER. IT IS VERY POSSIBLY OLDER THAN I HAVE LISTED IT TO BE.

THE PIECE WAS PURCHASED AT A HIGH END AUCTION HOUSE. 

THERE IS A FAMILY CREST OR COAT OF ARMS IN THE CENTER. IT IS TOPPED BY A SHELDRAKE AND BELOW THAT, IN BANNER STYLE, IS 'OPTIMUM PATI'. MY RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THIS IS POSSIBLY THE SHELDON FAMILY CREST. PERHAPS THIS WAS A PRESENTATION PIECE.

I BELIEVE THE PIECE IS SILVERPLATE. THE WORKMANSHIP IS EXQUISITE. IT IS A GRAPE AND VINE DESIGN WITH DEEPLY RAISED WORK ON ALMOST ALL EXCEPT FOR THE CENTER CREST.

THE DIAMETER AT THE TOP IS ABOUT 13 INCHES...BECAUSE IT IS SCALLOPED THIS MEASUREMENT FLUCTUATES. IT WEIGHS IN AT A TAD UNDER 4 LBS 

I AM NOT POLISHING THIS PIECE. I SEE A BIT OF COPPER AND DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE THE LOOK.

IF THIS PIECE IS PURCHASED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL LOCATION, THE SHIPPING WILL BE QUITE HIGH BOTH BECAUSE OF SIZE AND WEIGHT OF BOX.

THIS IS A ONE OF A KIND PIECE.

HAPPY BIDDING!