George III sterling silver epergne, large oval center basket with pierced sides and undulating gadrooned rim with acanthus and cartouche ornamentation; eight detachable round footed baskets with pierced sides and intertwined chain style handles, each suspended from a curved naturalistic branch that sockets into a tall frame, resting on four C-scroll legs ending in pierced rocaille feet. Center basket is engraved with a coat-of-arms crest and fits into a socket at the top of the frame, stamped with hallmarks for John Kentenber (IK), London, 1769. Center and side baskets also marked IK, some additionally marked with lion passant, and engraved with crest of a griffin-like creature. Overall height – 17″ H. Center basket – 13″ x 8″. Small baskets – 5 1/2″ dia. Base – 9″ square. Weight of all baskets: 49.97 oz troy. Stand and arms: 43.25 oz troy. Combined weight: 93.22 oz troy. Provenance: purchased by consignor’s mother at a store in Nashville in 1943 with an oral history of having been made for the Horners of Mells Park, Somerset, England. CONDITION: Overall good condition. One small basket handle is split and needs resoldering. Large basket has two repaired 1/2″ tears to side areas, near rims, on each long side. Branches are loaded with a substance which has caused some red discoloration to underside of feet.