Tree Epergne

c.1855-1860

English silver plated palm tree epergne.  An epergne is an ornamental centerpiece, typically for a dining table, which holds fruit or flowers. The base is decorated with emus and plantings, which are removeable as are palm fronds.  Ten parts in total to the epergne are removable:  base with palm tree, two emus, one long palm frond, three branches with clusters of coconuts, one small piece with three coconuts, and two palm leaves clusters.   

This silver plated tree epergne is seen in early photographs of the Seward family in the Washington home.