This object is called an epergne and is the centrepiece for a dining table, made for displaying fruit in its bowl and lighting the table with its candles. It is made in two sections; if you look carefully you can see that the lower section is in a more lively style, while the upper section seems more formal and restrained. The maker, Robertson, may have bought the base in from a specialist London epergne-maker and then updated it with a more fashionable upper dish.

In 1843-4 the candle drip-pans and the ostrich and its scrolls were added by the London firm of Charles Thomas and George Fox, favourites of the last owner, Sir William Holburne, hallmarked separately as is demanded by law. The grape-clusters which were also added around the lower stand probably replaced additional candle branches or sweetmeat baskets.

The charm of this piece lies in the combination of discipline and liveliness. Look closely for the tiny pineapples which symbolise hospitality and the swirling pattern of the candle-holders. It would have made quite an impact in the middle of the dining table.