Victorian Style Pierced Sterling Silver Bon Bon Dish
Hollowware (Bon Bon Dish / Sweetmeat Basket) · Indeterminable from current view; the image shows a partial strike that may represent a late 19th-century American or European manufacturer. Further inspection of the full piece is required for brand identification.
Pattern: Rococo Revival pierced floral and scrollwork pattern; commonly produced by firms like Gorham or Reed & Barton in the late 19th century.
Type
Hollowware (Bon Bon Dish / Sweetmeat Basket)
Maker
Indeterminable from current view; the image shows a partial strike that may represent a late 19th-century American or European manufacturer. Further inspection of the full piece is required for brand identification.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) or high-grade Silver Plate. The reddish-copper hue visible at the transition suggests either 'fire scale' on sterling or, more likely, base metal bleeding through a worn silver-plated surface (likely copper or nickel silver).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 12-15 cm (5-6 inches); weight estimated at 80-120 grams depending on whether it is solid sterling or weighted/plated.
Description
This piece is a classic example of late 19th-century domestic silver, designed to add elegance to a Victorian tea table. The reticulated border allows light to pass through, creating a delicate lace-like effect in metal. The central well is smooth, contrasting with the intricate cut-outs of the rim.
Key Features
Reticulated (pierced) floral motifs, scalloped edges, and a possible depletion of silver plating showing a copper-toned base metal (bleeding).
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) or high-grade Silver Plate. The reddish-copper hue visible at the transition suggests either 'fire scale' on sterling or, more likely, base metal bleeding through a worn silver-plated surface (likely copper or nickel silver).
Finish & Decoration
Pierced openwork (reticulated) with scroll motifs, featuring a satin-to-mirror polish transition. The edges show signs of hand-finishing or machine-stamping followed by manual filing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a very faint, partial strike near the center, appearing as a blurred 'pseudo-mark' or a worn maker's punch. It lacks the clarity of a standard British hallmark or a clear 'Sterling' stamp in this specific crop.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or stamped from a sheet of silver, then pierced using a fret saw or a mechanical punch. The unevenness of the piercing suggests a mix of machine and hand-finishing.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly concave basin with raised reticulated edges designed for serving small candies, nuts, or 'bon bons' without allowing items to roll off.
Handle & Grip Details
Usually features a pedestal base or small ball feet (not shown); typically lacks a primary handle but may have an integrated scrolled rim for lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality. The piercing shows some rough edges and the surface exhibits heavy 'pitting' or salt-air corrosion, suggesting it was a commercial-grade piece rather than a high-end atelier commission.
Authentication Indicators
The blurring of the mark and the copper-colored oxidation are red flags for silver plate. If sterling, the reddish tint would represent fire scale that was never fully polished out during manufacture.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely American (New England area) or British (Birmingham/Sheffield). The style is synonymous with the mass-production of luxury giftware during the Gilded Age.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1910). This was the height of the Rococo Revival style which heavily utilized pierced silver work.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1915 based on the style of the reticulated scrollwork and the likely manufacturing process indicated by the edge wear.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the Industrial Revolution, where machine-assisted piercing allowed for intricate designs that were previously only available via expensive hand-sawing.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant tarnish and discoloration are present. There is a prominent 'copper' blush which usually indicates 'bleeding' of silver plate, or heavy oxidation that has reacted with copper alloys in the sterling.
Value Estimate
$20-$40 USD if plated; $60-$120 USD if solid sterling silver, based on weight and maker identification.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft-bristled toothbrush for the piercings. Avoid hard dipping solutions which can accelerate the stripping of any remaining silver plate.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. pierced nut dishes (higher quality, cleaner marks) or Gorham 'Chantilly' pierced servers (more standardized scrollwork).
Interesting Facts
Bon bon dishes were essential status symbols for the Victorian middle class, signifying the ability to serve expensive imported sugar treats to guests.