Late Victorian Style Silver-Plated Oval Bread Basket / Asparagus Dish
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Basket) · Likely American or British mass-manufacturer (e.g., Sheridan, Reed & Barton, or E.P.N.S. makers). Absence of clear hallmarks suggest a commercial silver-plate producer rather than a premium silversmith.
Pattern: Generic Rococo Revival Pattern featuring scalloped edges, floral piercing, and a central scrollwork cartouche.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Basket)
Maker
Likely American or British mass-manufacturer (e.g., Sheridan, Reed & Barton, or E.P.N.S. makers). Absence of clear hallmarks suggest a commercial silver-plate producer rather than a premium silversmith.
Material
Silver Plate on White Metal or Copper (EPNS/EPC). The visible 'bleeding' or yellowish tint in the well suggests the silver layer has worn through to the base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-14 inches (including handles), width 6-7 inches. Weight is approximately 400-600 grams including base metal core.
Description
An elegant oval silver-plated serving basket featuring a decorative pierced gallery and ornate cast handles. The piece displays a classic Rococo Revival aesthetic with a deep well and a centralized scrollwork medallion. Ideal for use as a bread basket or a decorative centerpiece, though currently showing significant tarnish and plate loss.
Key Features
Scalloped rim, machine-pierced stylized fleur-de-lis, twin scroll-work handles, and central etched cartouche.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on White Metal or Copper (EPNS/EPC). The visible 'bleeding' or yellowish tint in the well suggests the silver layer has worn through to the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish (heavily tarnished) with machine-pierced floral/fleur-de-lis motifs along the rim. The center features a machine-etched or stamped scrollwork/rocaille cartouche.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in image; likely stamped on the underside with 'Silver Plate,' 'EPNS,' or a manufacturer's pictorial logo. No sterling lion or fineness marks are evident on the face.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from a flat sheet. Piercings are die-cut rather than hand-sawn. Handles are cast and soldered/applied to the ends.
Functional Features
Olong oval form designed to hold bread, rolls, or asparagus. Twin handles for carrying; low-profile rim to facilitate serving.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal C-scroll handles with acanthus leaf details; silver-plated and soldered to the main body.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade. The piercing lacks hand-finishing, and the etching is shallow, indicating a production-line origin rather than bespoke silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Visual 'bleeding' of base metal and the lack of standard assay hallmarks indicate this is silver-plated rather than solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom. Produced using industrial electroplating techniques standard in the 1900-1950 era.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian Revival Style; early to mid-20th century construction based on the mechanical nature of the decoration.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1950. The wear patterns and mechanical piercing suggest a mid-century production following 19th-century aesthetics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the industrial era, allowing broader social classes to adopt formal dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant tarnish (sulfide deposits) across the surface. Extensive wear to the silver plating (plate loss/peeling) in the central well and on high points, revealing the base metal underneath.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Value is limited by the condition of the plating and its status as a common silver-plated item rather than solid silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive dipping solutions which may further strip the remaining thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by Gorham or Tiffany would have hand-sawn piercing and much sharper detail; Sheffield plate versions would show a copper core.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were staples of the 'Sunday Dinner' table in middle-class homes during the early 20th century, providing the look of solid silver at a fraction of the cost.