TIFFANY & CO. STERLING SILVER EPERGNE BASE, DATING TO 1868. The body of the frame with three pierced pendant medallions, each with a Neo-Classical female portrait head; three heavy ribbed support legs each terminating in a paw foot at the base; a free-standing male figure playing flutes mounted to the center of the base framing; two upward flaring arms at the top, each terminating in three flanged supports for the epergne dishes; the six glass dishes and the central glass bowl lacking. Stamped markings under the three flat arms supporting the central figure: “Tiffany & Co.”, “Quality—925-1000”, the gothic capital “M” (Moore) mark, the pattern number “2107” and the order number “3677.” 13 ½ inches high; 20 ½ inches greatest width; 65.45 ounces.
Note: The pattern #2107 dates this piece to 1868 (or possibly 1869). It was in 1868 that Tiffany & Co. first began the manufacture of silver by purchasing the Moore firm from Edward C. Moore. Prior to that, Tiffany had their silver produced by various different New York silver companies, the greatest quantity of which came from the Moore firm. Following the 1868 purchase, Edward Moore became a Tiffany stockholder and was employed as the manager of the silver division of Tiffany & Co, functioning as the Artistic Director there until his death in 1891.