Silver-Plated Pierced Rim Bonbon Dish with Foliate Engraving
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish, Nut Dish, or Small Serving Plate) · Likely American or British mass-manufacturer (e.g., Sheridan, International Silver, or Oneida). The lack of prominent sterling marks suggests a commercial silver-plate manufacturer specializing in giftware.
Pattern: Generic Neo-Rococo Style; features a common 20th-century floral and scroll engraving pattern designed to emulate Victorian aesthetic.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish, Nut Dish, or Small Serving Plate)
Maker
Likely American or British mass-manufacturer (e.g., Sheridan, International Silver, or Oneida). The lack of prominent sterling marks suggests a commercial silver-plate manufacturer specializing in giftware.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The visible yellowish tint in high-wear areas and the specific sheen suggest a base metal underneath a thin silver deposit.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm). Weight is approximately 150-250 grams; typical for a mid-sized silver-plated accessory dish.
Description
This circular silver-plated dish features a charmingly ornate aesthetic, characterized by a wide, scalloped rim with geometric and heart-shaped piercings. The interior well is decorated with a series of engraved acanthus-style scrolls and floral motifs. Its size and shallow depth make it ideal as a bonbon dish or a decorative dresser tray.
Key Features
Scalloped die-cut rim, heart and teardrop-shaped piercing, and symmetrical foliate engraving. The dish balances a light, airy perimeter with a heavily decorated central reservoir.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The visible yellowish tint in high-wear areas and the specific sheen suggest a base metal underneath a thin silver deposit.
Finish & Decoration
Features machine-pierced openwork on the scalloped rim and bright-cut style machine engraving on the basin. The engraving consists of six symmetrical foliate scroll cartouches.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible in the image. Would typically be found on the underside, likely stamped 'Silver Plate', 'EPNS', or a manufacturer's pictorial logo without purity marks like 'Sterling' or the British Lion Passant.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. The piercing is uniform, indicating a industrial punch press rather than hand-sawing. The edge is rolled or finished with a simple scalloped die.
Functional Features
Raised rim to prevent contents from sliding; pierced holes for decorative airflow and aesthetics; flat bottom for stability on a tabletop.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a low-profile dish designed to be picked up by the rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; mass-produced using industrial presses. The engraving is shallow and likely applied by a mechanical pantograph or a stamping die rather than a master chaser's hand.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of sterling marks, uniform machine-pierced edges, and the specific blue-grey tint of tarnish points toward silver plate rather than solid sterling silver. The weight-to-thickness ratio is characteristic of base metal alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom. Produced using high-volume industrial electroplating techniques typical of companies in Connecticut (USA) or Sheffield (UK).
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940-1970). It utilizes Victorian Revival and Neo-Rococo motifs common in suburban American and British homes during the post-war era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The style of engraving and the condition of the plate suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining etiquette of the mid-20th century where small dishes were used for candies (bonbons), nuts, or tea biscuits to signify hospitality and social grace.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. Extensive surface scratching (swirl marks) indicates frequent cleaning or use. Some 'bleeding' of the silver plate may be occurring, and there are dark spots of tarnish and possible pitting in the engraved areas.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $30.00 USD. Value is primarily decorative/functional rather than intrinsic metal value, as silver plate has negligible scrap worth compared to sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a tarnish-free bag or wrap in acid-free tissue paper.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Pierced Sterling Dishes (hand-pierced, significantly higher value); Gorham plated giftware; Sheridan silver-plated hollowware.
Interesting Facts
Dishes like these were staples of the 'Silver Giftware' industry, often given as wedding or anniversary presents. While not unique, they represent the democratization of the silver aesthetic for the middle class in the 20th century.