Mid-Century Korean Stainless Steel Escargot Dish
Hollowware (Escargot / Snail Platter) · Unknown Korean manufacturer; identifying logo features a stylized bird/symbol above the 'KOREA' stamp. Substantial export-grade kitchenware.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian design with a lobed handle; no specific collection name.
Type
Hollowware (Escargot / Snail Platter)
Maker
Unknown Korean manufacturer; identifying logo features a stylized bird/symbol above the 'KOREA' stamp. Substantial export-grade kitchenware.
Material
Stainless Steel (marked 'STAINLESS STEEL' on reverse). This item contains no silver content (neither solid silver nor silver plate).
Dimensions
Standard catering size, approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Relatively lightweight given the steel construction.
Description
This is a functional, durable stainless steel escargot dish featuring six distinct wells and a single decorative thumb handle. It is designed for culinary utility rather than precious metal value.
Key Features
Marked specifically as 'STAINLESS STEEL' and 'KOREA'. Characterized by its heat resistance and industrial finish.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel (marked 'STAINLESS STEEL' on reverse). This item contains no silver content (neither solid silver nor silver plate).
Finish & Decoration
Brushed/satin finish on the handle and rim with a polished/reflective finish inside the circular wells. Simple scalloped/lobed handle profile.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STAINLESS STEEL', a central maker's logo featuring a crown or bird-like icon, and 'KOREA' at the bottom.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via industrial metal stamping/die-striking from a single sheet of stainless steel.
Functional Features
Includes six circular depressions (wells) designed to hold individual snails (escargot) in their shells upright while serving or baking.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated flat, scalloped thumb-grip handle on one side for easy transport from oven to table.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; uniform machine stamping with clean edges but lacks the hand-finishing or thickness of high-end hollowware.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp explicitly states 'STAINLESS STEEL', which is the primary indicator that this is not a silver item. The 'KOREA' mark confirms its 20th-century mass-market origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
South Korea; representative of the mass-manufacturing boom in culinary steel goods during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Era & Period
Late Mid-Century (c. 1960s-1980s), reflecting the rise of Korean stainless steel exports to Western markets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1985 based on the style of the stamp and the popularity of escargot serving sets in that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of French 'fine dining' (escargot) for home entertaining in the mid-century suburban era.
Condition Notes
Good utility condition with visible surface scratches and 'bloom' (discoloration) likely from heat exposure or dishwasher cleaning. Structure is sound.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is based on utility as kitchenware rather than metal content or antique rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe. Can be polished with standard stainless steel cleaner. Unlike silver, it does not require tarnish-prevention measures.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated escargot dishes by Christofle or sterling versions by Tiffany (rare); these would be deutlich heavier and marked with silver hallmarks.
Interesting Facts
Korea became one of the world's largest manufacturers of stainless steel flatware and hollowware in the late 20th century, often producing for American and European brands.