Antique Indian Colonial Silver Soup Tureen c.1830

A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 1830s Indian Colonial silver soup tureen; an addition to our silver dining collection. This magnificent and impressive antique silver tureen has an oval rounded form onto four feet. The incurved panelled surface of this piece is plain and unembellished, with an impressive applied scrolling leaf decorated border to the rim. This antique silver soup tureen retains the original hallmarked push fit domed cover, ornamented with the contemporary engraved initials 'CSH'. The cover is surmounted with a magnificent, substantial and large cast finial, realistically modelled in the form of a hedgehog* stood to a textured terrain. The antique tureen is fitted with exceptional and large cast silver reed decorated handles, accented with a central foliate decorated knop and terminating with lion mask designs. Each cast silver paw style foot is embellished with foliate decoration, with a plain rounded terminal. This impressive silver dish retains the original plain and unembellished silver removable liner; this original liner indicates the high quality of the piece. Such examples with an unusual, important and large figural finial in this form are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. This rare example of antique Indian Colonial silverware is the finest example of its type you could hope to acquire. An antique silver tureen is a refined centrepiece for formal dining, ideal for serving soups, stews or sides during elegant gatherings and special occasions. * With the nature of the snout shape and prominent ears, in addition to the silversmiths origin, it has been determined this figure replicates the features of a Madras hedgehog; however, there are other variants within the erinaceidae family which may be applicable. Maker: George Gordon & Co Origin: Madras, India