Vintage Silver Decorative Pieces Come to Sale with Christie’s

The candelabras of the Victorian era were usually made with silver, considered an opulent metal during the period. With electrical lighting still in its nascent stage in those days, these candle holders became highly popular. A vintage plateau-shaped candelabra acquired by Mary Hopkins Searles is a key highlight of the upcoming timed auction at Christie’s. Made of four clawed feet, it is adorned with raised openwork bosses of rosettes, flowers, pinecones, and palm leaves. The bowl stands on six taloned feet and is decked with Gothic foliage and grape clusters. Another striking silver piece is a Swedish mounted Podolian ox horn. The twisting horn with a cast frieze portrays classical figures and Vitruvian scrolls. A male archer figurine on top holds bow and arrow aimed at an eagle and serpent in a combative position. The base is encircled by another serpent battling a griffin.

A Portuguese model of the Taj Mahal also leads the catalog. Made of 18-karat gold, it is set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opals, and pearls. The base and sides of the structure are engraved with foliate scrolls. Visit Christie’s to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Sculptural Silver and Works of Art from the Orange Blossom Collection sale.