Silver plated Art Nouveau Epergne, c1900. A beautiful table centrepiece which is a thing of beauty on it's own but also as a flower display. This example has three removable cone shaped receptacles flaring out to serpentine rims sitting in a strong base of natural form with two leaf shapes.
The base of the rim is stamped 'C&F EPNS MADE IN ENGLAND', standing for Coles & Fryer and electroplated nickel silver. Coles and Fryer were last recorded as being active in 1903 at 12 St. Paul Square Birmingham. This item is in very good condition indeed, looking almost new.
The Epergne stands 21cm (8.27") in height. 
 
Epergnes originated in France in the 17th century and became popular in the UK around 1720. They were originally used to serve food and save space at the dinner table, but later became more decorative. Epergnes were often made with hand-cut crystal bowls or silver to reflect candlelight.