Antique Ormolu Tazza with verre eglomise panel depicting the Royal Exchange, London c.1845-65

Pieces like this feel like a portal to another time. Produced between 1845 and 1865, this beautiful Grand Tour souvenir would originally have been used for receiving calling cards in a fine home. This beautiful ormolu or gilded brass tazza was most likely made in France or possibly Italy as they were the leaders in this kind of highly decorative metal work at the time. The central verre eglomise or reverse painted glass panel depicts the Royal Exchange in London, which had just been rebuilt and opened by Queen Victoria in 1844. There is a little deterioration to the panel that you can see in closeups of the bottom of the painting but it remains stunning and sparkles beautifully in the light. Just FYI, these are very vulnerable to water damage so must never be submerged for cleaning. The surrounding metalwork is in good condition and has a lovely timeworn patina. I love to travel so imagining the journey of its original owner brings me real joy. Forgive my limited photography skills - the sparkle is so much more beautiful in person. 

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