MARK OF ROBERT GARRARD, LONDON, 1841

This pair of centrepieces are inspired by the famous French Régence surtout-de-table made by Lille silversmith Elie Pacot, 1709-1710. The surtout consisted of a large centerpiece, octagonal, hexagonal, rectangular and triangular jardinières. The surtout, which probably commissioned for the Duke of Marlborough, was then sold at Christie's, 9-10 April, 1829, The Property of the late Right Hon. Lord Gwydir, lot 28. The lot was subsequently purchased by Garrard's and served as the model for designs of entrée dishes as well as centrepieces such as the present lot. This centrepiece sits amongst early examples of this design by Garrard, which date from 1838 (see Christie's New York, 23 October 2008, lot 132). Later dishes were made between 1850 and 1868 (see Christie's London, 22 November 2000, lot 103, and Christies New York, 26 April 2006, lot 140).