SOLD Exquisite Crown Milano Acorn & Leaf Melon Ribbed Bowl

Antiques : Glass, Crystal

 

Shuman's Encyclopedia of American Art Glass states "A signed Smith Brothers addition to your collection would prove to be most pleasant and a wise investment."

We are pleased to offer this outstanding example of hand decorated Victorian opal glass--a large melon ribbed bowl, probably intended to be a ferner or jardiniere, with silverplate rim and decorated in a positively gorgeous acorn and leaf pattern enamel and gold tracery. The gilt trim acorn and leaf pattern is one of the most popular Crown Milano motifs, and the ribbed bowls are highly desireable.

The bowl stands 4" high and is approximately 8 1/2" in diameter--a very sizable piece. It is in excellent antique condition: wear to the silverplate rim, but the glass is 99.9% perfect--no chips, cracks, flakes with only the barest whisper of wear. It bears the Smith Brothers red hallmark on the bottom and what we believe to be "as" for Alfred Smith on the outer rim.

The Smith Brothers were under contract to the Mount Washington Glass Works beginning in 1871, where a separate decorating department was set up to produce some of the finest glass decorating in the world. In the 1890's, this department included the renowned Crown Milano line.

The bowl began as a shiny, high quality opal milk-white glass which was mold blown to produce the melon shape. The satin finish was then applied to the exterior, and then the bowl was enameled. The silverplate rim was probably made by either Meriden or Reed and Barton, though we cannot find a mark on it.

Please take a look at the photos--the workmanship and quality of this piece is remarkable. To find such an example is indeed rare and would make a "most pleasant" addition to your home or collection.

Item ID: GL-7919