George III Sheffield Plate Gadroon Pattern Entrée Dish and Cover
Hollowware: Entrée Dish with Removable Cover · Attributed to Sheffield silversmiths such as Matthew Boulton or Dixon & Sons; likely Old Sheffield Plate (OSP). These makers were pioneers of the fused silver process in the late 18th century.
Pattern: Gadroon and Shell Pattern; a classic Regency/Georgian stylistic staple characterized by inverted fluting or rope-like borders.
Type
Hollowware: Entrée Dish with Removable Cover
Maker
Attributed to Sheffield silversmiths such as Matthew Boulton or Dixon & Sons; likely Old Sheffield Plate (OSP). These makers were pioneers of the fused silver process in the late 18th century.
Material
Old Sheffield Plate (OSP). This consists of a thick sheet of sterling silver fused to a copper base. Visible copper 'bleeding' on the high points of the gadroon edges confirms this fused metal composition.
Dimensions
Standard entree size: approximately 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length and 8-9 inches in width. Substantial weight due to the copper core, typically around 1,500-2,000 grams.
Description
An elegant Regency-era entrée dish featuring a rectangular form with softened corners. The piece is framed by a bold gadroon border that provides a tactile and visual contrast to the expansive, mirror-polished flat surfaces. A distinguished armorial crest is engraved on the lid, suggesting a history of noble or upper-class domestic use. This versatile piece exemplifies the ingenuity of Georgian dining, serving as both a covered warming dish and two separate serving platters.
Key Features
Heraldic griffin/lion rampant engraving; detachable lock-handle; 'Bleeding' copper at edges (diagnostic of OSP); robust gadroon borders.
Material & Composition
Old Sheffield Plate (OSP). This consists of a thick sheet of sterling silver fused to a copper base. Visible copper 'bleeding' on the high points of the gadroon edges confirms this fused metal composition.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished silver finish with gadroon (rope-style) borders and shell-and-leaf motifs at corners. Features a hand-engraved heraldic family crest depicting a griffin or lion rampant on the side of the cover.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely unmarked or featuring small 'pseudo-hallmarks' common to Sheffield Plate. Authentic OSP often lacks formal sterling hallmarks but may have an inconspicuous maker's device near the rim or under the handle.
Construction Details
Die-rolled borders applied to a raised and shaped body. The handle is cast and likely features a bayonet-style mount, allowing it to be detached so the lid can serve as a second dish.
Functional Features
Removable 'lock' handle that detaches with a quarter-turn, allowing the lid to be inverted and used as an open serving tray. The deep lid is designed to retain heat for meat dishes.
Handle & Grip Details
Detachable cast silver-on-copper handle with a foliate/scroll grip. It is shaped to be ergonomic and provides a secure locking mechanism to the top of the lid.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb die-work on the borders and professional hand-engraving. The structural integrity of the copper-silver bond remains excellent after two centuries, highlighting the quality of the fusion process.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of copper showing through on the high points of the stamping is a definitive indicator of Old Sheffield Plate rather than modern electroplate. The style of the handle attachment is also period-accurate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Manufactured using the traditional fused-plate technique which was the industry standard before the advent of electroplating in the 1840s.
Era & Period
George III / Regency Period (c. 1810-1830). The heavy gadroon borders and recti-curvilinear shape are quintessential indicators of late Georgian formal dining aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1815-1825. The style of the engraved crest and the specific curvature of the lid suggest the first quarter of the 19th century.
Cultural Significance
Entrée dishes were the centerpieces of the 'Service à la Française' style of dining, where multiple dishes were placed on the table simultaneously to showcase the wealth and hospitality of the host.
Condition Notes
Very Good antique condition. Notable 'bleeding' where silver has worn thin to reveal the copper base on the embossed borders—highly prized by some OSP collectors. Minor surface scratches consistent with use and polishing.
Value Estimate
$300 - $650 USD depending on the clarity of the crest and the amount of silver loss. Pieces with intact silver plate and clear marks command the higher end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Use non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) sparingly to avoid further thinning of the silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Modern Silver Plate (EPNS) versions by Gorham or Reed & Barton; these will lack the copper bleeding and will have simpler, machine-stamped details compared to this hand-finished piece.
Interesting Facts
The 'removable handle' was a major innovation in the 1700s, theoretically doubling the host's serving capacity by turning one covered dish into two open ones.