Incredibly Elegant Antique Roberts & Belk Design Art Nouveau Silver Plated Bottle Holder

It was retailed by Leeds-based company Z. Barraclough & Sons whose hallmark you find on the underside of the piece.

The bottle coaster predates 1914, the year in which the retailers converted to Z Barraclough & Sons Ltd.

Roberts and Belk was founded in 1810, under the name Furniss, Poles and Turner.

It would not be until almost 50 years later that partners Samuel Roberts and Charles Belk would contribute their names to the company title.

As you can see, the piece features a breathtaking Art Nouveau design which includes a pattern of languid, symmetrical floral shapes that pervade the sides of the upper portion.

This particular design was a favorite among Roberts & Belk craftsmen.

The distinctly Art Nouveau decoration has been stamped into the sides of the metal, creating a wonderful dimension and dynamic look with exceptional depth and texture.

Two rigid handles on each side of the bottle coaster also exhibit deeply-stamped decoration.

You can see that the handles contribute the perfect balance between the wide, curling rim and tiered base.

In addition to the "Z. Barraclough & Sons" hallmark which includes the inscription "Silversmiths" and "Leeds", you will find another small mark which depicts the shape of a genie lamp.

This is Roberts and Belk's classic trademark.

There is another unidentified mark in a square-shaped cartouche below this as well as the hand-etched letter "M".

While the bottle coaster shows some expected wear and darkening around the embossed Art Nouveau pattern, as well as a few extremely light scratches here and there, it remains in very good antique condition overall.

This piece is a stunning example of both British silverplate and Art Nouveau design.

Measurements: Bottle coaster measures 7 3/8" tall, 7" wide (at handles), Base is 5 5/8" in diameter, Rim is 5 1/4" in diameter Weight: 20.46 oz (1 lb., 4 oz.)

Item ID: 5506