Walter & John Barnard Gilt Sterling Silver 1892 Victorian Punch Bowl Centerpiece

Walter and John Barnard sterling silver punch bowl or wine cooler, with curvilinear, fluted motifs adorning the base and body, gilt inside, from 1892 (Victorian era). It measures 11 1/2'' diameter by 8'' in height, weighs 33.7 troy ounces, and bears hallmarks as shown. 

Possibly the oldest manufacturing silversmith in the world, the origin of this silversmithing firm were established by Anthony Nelme in the 17th century. There were several successive owners to the firm, including Francis Nelme, Thomas Whipham, Thomas Whipham Jr., Charles Wright, Henry Chawner, Edward Barnard, John and Rebecca Emes, Edward Barnard II, and John, William, Walter Barnard. The firm was converted into a limited liability company in 1910 under the style Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd. In 1977 Edward Barnard & Sons Limited became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham Ltd. Barnard silver is in the permanent collection of prestigious museums, including the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.