### DESCRIPTION

Antique early-20th Century Edwardian Art Nouveau solid silver & enamel figural centrepiece, The base of rectangular form with waisted sides, raised on four scroll feet. The support modelled as a semi-nude draped figure standing atop of the globe, supported by twin dolphin supports. The figure supporting a wavy edge and pierced bowl in which sits a oval cut clear glass fruit bowl, beneath the globe an applied twin sided plaque in the form of a laurel wreath, one side with an applied enamel plague of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, the other with the initials D G M in opaque white, translucent red then blue enamel respectively. The base with handles to either side, one revealing an internal velvet lined drawer, the body with embossed decoration of C scrolls, rocaille work, foliate scrolls and stylized flower heads. One side with a cartouche engraved with an inscription 'Presented to His Excellency Monsieur D.G. Métaxas. G.C.V.O. by the London & Liverpool Dried Fruits Trades as a token of their esteem and regard, London. June 1908.'. The obverse side embossed with two different buildings the left example in a surround of roses and thistles, the right example surrounded in fruiting grape vine. Fully marked to the base, part-marked throughout. Wooden interior to base.
Hallmarked English silver (925 standard), London, year 1908 (n), Maker's mark CE (Charles Edwards).

Sir Dimitirs George Métaxas, G.C.V.O. (1858-1922?) was a Greek national, second son of George L. Métaxas, a lawyer. He was educated in Athens. His various diplomatic titles included being the chargé d'affaires to the Greek ambassador to Germany in 1890, in 1892 he was the Greek ambassador to Serbia, and from 1895 to 1908 he was the Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and twice Ambassador to Italy until 1922\. In 1900 he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. In 1904 his address was 31 Marloes Road, Kensington W8.

### CONDITION

In Great Condition - No damage, the silver bowl has a chip to the rim.

### SIZE

Height: 47cm
Width: 39 x 22cm
Weight: 4260g