Mayell & Co. Silver-Plated Fluted Nut or Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Bonbon or Nut Dish) · Mayell & Co. (W.G. Mayell & Co. Ltd), a prolific British manufacturer based in Birmingham, England, known for mass-producing high-quality silver-plated giftware and tableware during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Pattern: Traditional Fluted/Scalloped Pattern; non-specific collection name, but a staple of mid-century British silver-plated export ware.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon or Nut Dish)
Maker
Mayell & Co. (W.G. Mayell & Co. Ltd), a prolific British manufacturer based in Birmingham, England, known for mass-producing high-quality silver-plated giftware and tableware during the mid-to-late 20th century.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over a base metal (likely brass or copper alloy); it contains no solid sterling content.
Dimensions
Typically 5 to 7 inches in diameter; lightweight construction characteristic of decorative giftware rather than heavy solid silver services.
Description
A charming example of mid-century British silver-plated hollowware, this dish features deep, rhythmic fluting that creates a sunburst effect radiating from the center. Its scalloped rim and bright finish were designed to catch the candlelight at a dinner party, serving as a functional yet accessible luxury item for the suburban home.
Key Features
Radial fluted 'starburst' design, 'MADE IN ENGLAND' hallmark, and the distinctive central mechanical joining point characteristic of Mayell production.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over a base metal (likely brass or copper alloy); it contains no solid sterling content.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with heavy radial fluting (godron-style) and scalloped edges; reflective surface with modern industrial finishing techniques.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'MAYELL' and 'MADE IN ENGLAND' in a circular arrangement; includes 'EP ON STEEL' or 'EP BRASS' often seen on these pieces, though the center stamp is partially obscured by the screw attachment.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck from sheet metal; features a central screw-mount point suggesting it was originally attached to a pedestal base or a multi-tiered handle assembly.
Functional Features
Modular design with a central aperture for a handle or stand; fluted walls designed to hold small confections, nuts, or mints.
Handle & Grip Details
The base shows a recessed screw head or rivet point where a central carrying handle (often scroll-shaped or ring-top) would have been secured.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced via industrial hydraulic presses; quality is consistent but lacks the hand-chased detail or heavy gauge found in premium silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Clear machine-stamped maker's name and country of origin; lack of British lion passant or date letters confirms it is plated rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; manufactured in the heart of the UK's industrial metalworking district using mechanized electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Late 20th Century (1950s-1970s); utilizing traditional Victorian revival motifs for the mass market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980; based on the specific sans-serif typography of the 'MADE IN ENGLAND' stamp and the industrial assembly method.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-20th century, allowing middle-class households to own 'silver' that mimicked the styles of 18th-century aristocrats.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant tarnish and 'pitting' are visible in the crevices. There is noticeable wear to the plating in the center (darker grey areas) where the base metal is beginning to show through (bleeding).
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD; these are common items in the secondary market and value is largely decorative rather than based on metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth; use a non-abrasive silver foam like Hagerty's. Avoid over-polishing as the thin silver layer can be easily removed to reveal the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Similar to items by Yeoman Plate or Viners of Sheffield; distinguished by the specific Mayell stamping and the depth of the fluting.
Interesting Facts
Mayell & Co. was famous for their 'Queen Anne' style giftware, which was very popular in post-war Britain and exported in large quantities to the United States and Commonwealth countries.