Edwardian Era Pierced Repoussé Sterling Silver Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl) · Unknown American silversmith (Likely Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver based on piercing patterns). Most major American silversmiths active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced high volumes of these small giftware items.
Pattern: Foliate Pierced Scrollwork (Generic manufacturer-specific pattern). This design features stylized floral and scroll motifs typical of the Art Nouveau influence on late Victorian/Edwardian silver.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl)
Maker
Unknown American silversmith (Likely Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver based on piercing patterns). Most major American silversmiths active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries produced high volumes of these small giftware items.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The heavy, dark tarnish suggests high silver content, but a 'Sterling' mark should be sought on the underside or rim to confirm. Total weight typically ranges 40-70 grams for this size.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm). Height: approximately 1 inch. This is a standard individual or small serving size for confectionery.
Description
An elegant small silver dish typically used as part of a formal dessert service. The piece features six repeating cartouches of pierced openwork and embossed floral sprigs. Despite its current oxidized state, it represents the high-society dining etiquette of the early 20th century.
Key Features
Machine-pierced decorative border, repoussé floral details, scalloped rim, and circular footless base. The contrast between the solid center and airy border is the defining visual trait.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The heavy, dark tarnish suggests high silver content, but a 'Sterling' mark should be sought on the underside or rim to confirm. Total weight typically ranges 40-70 grams for this size.
Finish & Decoration
The dish features elaborate machine-pierced openwork (filigree effect) and repoussé floral blossoms around the border. The center is plain with heavy circular polishing wear or 'pitting' from corrosive sulfur deposits. The style is late Art Nouveau/Edwardian.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the image but would likely be located on the flat underside of the dish. Look for 'Sterling', a number like '925', or a maker's hallmark such as Gorham's lion-anchor-G or Wallace's stag head.
Construction Details
Manufactured using die-stamped methods common to the industrial age. The piercing was likely achieved with a steel die-cut rather than hand-sawing. The bowl was shaped through spinning or low-pressure stamping.
Functional Features
Low-profile shallow bowl with a reinforced, scalloped rim. Designed to hold small dry goods (mints, nuts, or chocolates) where the piercing allows air circulation and visual lightness.
Handle & Grip Details
This is a handle-less dish; the scalloped and pierced edge serves as the grip for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
This is a high-quality production piece rather than a bespoke hand-wrought work. The symmetry of the piercing indicates precise die-work, and the repoussé is crisp, signifying a well-maintained mold.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic tarnish patterns consistent with silver alloys; die-stamping marks visible in the repetition of the border pattern; authentic wear on the high points of the floral embossing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (New England silver belt) or United Kingdom (Birmingham). Produced in a large-scale factory setting using steam or electric powered presses.
Era & Period
Edwardian (1901-1910) / Late Victorian. The transition from heavy Victorian florals to more fluid Art Nouveau scrolls is evident in the piercing transition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1915. The pattern and construction techniques are characteristic of the turn-of-the-century giftware market.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formalization of American and European social rituals, where specific vessels were required for every course, including 'bonbons' or sweets at the end of a meal.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The item exhibits heavy 'fire-scale' or thick sulfide tarnish. The light-colored patches in the center suggest the silver may be stripped or heavily scratched (pitted) from improper cleaning. No visible dents or cracks. Grade: Fair.
Value Estimate
If Sterling: $40 - $85 USD. If Silver Plate: $5 - $15 USD. Value is currently depressed due to the heavy polishing needed and commonness of the form.
Care & Maintenance
Needs a thorough cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft-bristled toothbrush for the piercings. Do not use dip cleaners as they can strip the surface too aggressively. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' pierced dishes, Wallace 'Grand Baroque' nut bowls, or Tiffany & Co. reticulated plates. Similar plated versions by Reid & Barton exist but would show base metal 'bleeding'.
Interesting Facts
Bonbon dishes were extremely popular 'bridge prizes' or wedding gifts in the early 1900s. They were intended to be displayed as a show of hospitality on sideboards or coffee tables.