Victorian Sterling Silver Pierced Bonbon Dish by William Comyns & Sons
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Dish) · William Comyns & Sons, London. Established in 1858, Comyns was one of the most famous Victorian manufacturing silversmiths, known especially for high-quality decorative pierced work and 'nursery' silver.
Pattern: Late Victorian Rococo Revival style with pierced lattice and scrollwork motifs.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Dish)
Maker
William Comyns & Sons, London. Established in 1858, Comyns was one of the most famous Victorian manufacturing silversmiths, known especially for high-quality decorative pierced work and 'nursery' silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base.
Dimensions
Estimated at 12-15 cm in length and 8-10 cm in width. Approximate weight 45-75 grams (1.5 - 2.4 troy oz).
Description
An exquisite examples of late 19th-century silver craft, this bonbon dish features a heart-shaped silhouette framed by intricate piercing and repoussé scrolls. Two delicate silver bows anchor the top and bottom of the design, while the lattice-work allows light to pass through, creating a lace-like effect typical of William Comyns' finest domestic silver pieces.
Key Features
Pierced lattice-work (diaper pattern), ribbon-and-bow motifs, heart-shaped central well, and the distinctive William Comyns hallmark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base.
Finish & Decoration
Extensive openwork piercing (ajouré), repoussé floral clusters, chased scrollwork, and ribbon-tied bow motifs. Style is Rococo Revival with a lobed, heart-shaped or clover-like outline.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full set of English hallmarks at the top rim: Maker's mark 'WC' (William Comyns), Lion Passant (Sterling), Leopard's Head (London), and a date letter (likely 'u' for 1895 or similar from the late 19th-century cycle).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-pierced base, then hand-finished with chasing and embossing. The piece features a raised edge and a recessed central well.
Functional Features
Perforated body designed for serving small sweets (bonbons) or nuts, allowing crumbs to fall through or providing airflow; also functions as a decorative dresser tray.
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handles; the wide decorative flange serves as the grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work and clean piercing execution; the symmetry of the scrolls and the depth of the embossed floral clusters indicate a superior manufacturing standard.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are struck on the top face (common for pierced dishes of this period), clear 'WC' maker's mark, and authentic wear patterns on the raised embossed highlights.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Manufactured in the Comyns workshop, which was a supplier to prestigious retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Asprey.
Era & Period
Late Victorian Era (c. 1890-1901). Reflective of the opulent Rococo Revival movement popular at the end of the 19th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1900 based on the style of the 'WC' mark and the exuberant Rococo piercing styles characteristic of that decade.
Cultural Significance
Represented the Victorian 'Cult of Domesticity' where every type of food, no matter how small, required a specialized silver serving vessel to display wealth and social etiquette.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Minor surface scratches consistent with age; piercing is intact with no visible breaks in the delicate silver webbing. Light tarnish in the deep recesses of the scrolls.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on exact weight and hallmark clarity. Comyns pieces carry a premium over anonymous makers.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft brush and Wright’s Silver Cream; avoid heavy pressure on pierced areas to prevent bending. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham pierced nut dishes (often more geometric), Mappin & Webb pierced baskets (usually larger with swing handles), and Birks silver-plated equivalents.
Interesting Facts
William Comyns & Sons was so successful that they were one of the largest firms in London by the 1890s, occupying a huge facility on Beak Street.