A William Comyns silver fruit bowl

I could not resist buying this unusual bowl by the well known maker William Comyns.  The footed bowl is of geometric  design, with ribbed body and a frieze comprising alternating upright and hanging triangles.  The upright triangles are cut out and their definition heightened through oxidisation.  The hanging triangles are each patterned with four chased lines.   The bowl is dated for 1912 – so before the first World War and later modernist movements.

The silverwork is exceptionally good and the oxidisation very unusual.  From a design point of view the bowl is even more remarkable.  It was perhaps inspired by the Wiener Werkstatte and hints at the forthcoming deco movement.  The chased “cuts” to the hanging frieze in-fact look like they belong in the 1950’s.

Condition is excellent with age related patina and visible scratches to the interior.  A very heavy gauge. Fully hallmarked and with model number 5332. A very useable and attractive piece of silver.

Price range: £1,650

Maker: William Comyns

Designer: NA

Date : 1912

Marks: W.C, London, date letter “r”.

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent.

Size: 20.75 cm wide, 8.0 cm high

Weight: 22.1 oz, 626 grams