Pair of Silver 'Cherub' Placecard Holders

A beautiful pair of Continental silver placecard holders each featuring a cherub -- one hugging a bird, standing on a bridge over a river; the other playing a lute on a scroll background. Each chased and pierced 'scene' is fixed to a small scroll stand.

These are very pretty and typical of those made in Europe around the turn of the century. They were imported into England and then mounted onto the scroll stands.

Placecard holders were a late Victorian favourite, which continued into the first three decades of the twentieth century. Silversmiths competed to design them in the most intricate styles, often using other materials including enamel and precious stones. They often came in pairs, or sets of 4 or 6. Each one was put in front of a table-setting, and the guest's name was written on a piece of card that fitted into the back. Larger holders were designed for menus to be displayed in the centre of the table, and they were usually made singly.

This pair of silver 'cherub' placecard holders was made on the Continent and imported in 1897 to London by Edwin Bryant.