An epergne was a type of centrepiece for a dinner table or sideboard which was common in France and introduced to England in the early 18th century. This example is decorated with shells, flowers and gadrooning, supported on four scrolls. The square base has incurved sides and sits on four lion's feet. The large bowl and smaller dishes are cut with diamond facets. The four twisted branches that hold the dishes could alternatively hold candles. The name is derived from the French, épargner (to save), i.e. to save space on the table and the trouble of passing several receptacles.

Sheffield plate originated, with the discovery in 1742, that bars of silver and copper, in unequal proportions, fused by heating under pressure, could be rolled into sheets of laminated metal and worked like silver. The industry this material created flourished for about 100 years until superseded by electroplating in the 1840s.