George V Sterling Silver Engine-Turned Alms Bowl or Nut Dish
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Dish/Alms Bowl) · The initials 'G.V.' suggest a British maker active in the early 20th century; likely George Vickery or a similar London-based workshop, known for creating high-quality functional smallwares.
Pattern: Traditional engine-turned geometric pattern; often categorized under 'Classical Revival' or 'Art Deco Transition' silhouettes.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl/Nut Dish/Alms Bowl)
Maker
The initials 'G.V.' suggest a British maker active in the early 20th century; likely George Vickery or a similar London-based workshop, known for creating high-quality functional smallwares.
Material
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid metal construction, no mixed materials or base metals.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 10-12 cm (4-5 inches); Height: 3-4 cm. Estimated weight: 75-110 grams (2.4-3.5 troy ounces).
Description
This elegant George V sterling silver dish demonstrates the restrained luxury of early 20th-century British silver. The piece features a deep, mirror-polished bowl interior contrasting beautifully with the finely textured engine-turned exterior band. The geometric precision of the decoration reflects the technical mastery of the London ateliers during this period. It is a versatile piece of hollowware that serves as both a functional serving vessel and a testament to the enduring appeal of the London assay standards.
Key Features
Consistent deep-struck hallmarks on the base; intricate engine-turned decorative band; heavy gauge sterling silver; classic un-weighted construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid metal construction, no mixed materials or base metals.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror-polish interior and base; Exterior features a sophisticated engine-turned (guilloché) diamond-cut pattern known as 'barleycorn' or 'crosshatch,' characteristic of late Edwardian and Art Deco aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks: 'G.V' (Maker's mark), 'Lion Passant' (Sterling Silver quality mark), 'Leopard's Head' (London Assay Office), and the date letter (likely lowercase 'e' or similar for circa 1920).
Construction Details
Raised and spun hollowware with machine-applied engine turning. The rim is likely rolled or applied for structural rigidity. One-piece body construction.
Functional Features
Low profile with a stable circular footed base. Primarily designed as a table service piece for nuts, mints, or as a presentation alms dish.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design; the grip is provided by the tapered sides of the bowl body.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of high-quality engine turning with no overlaps or flaws in the pattern. The hallmarks are struck with high pressure, indicating a solid, thick gauge of silver capable of withstanding the stamp without deformation.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are perfectly aligned and struck within standard British conventions; wear patterns are appropriate for a piece approximately 100 years old; the engine turning shows the 'crispness' of a genuine lathe-cut pattern rather than a cast imitation.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, Great Britain. Manufactured using a combination of traditional silversmithing and mechanical engine-turning lathes which were popular in the UK workshops at the time.
Era & Period
George V Period / Early Art Deco (c. 1910-1930). This era combined Victorian durability with the cleaner, geometric lines of the emerging modern movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920. Dating based on the style of the 'G.V' maker's mark and the specific geometric engine-turning patterns fashionable after WWI.
Cultural Significance
Small dishes of this type became essential in middle and upper-class British households during the early 20th century as part of elaborate formal dining services, shifting from heavily ornate Victorian styles to more understated, geometric 'gentlemanly' designs.
Condition Notes
Very Good Condition. Light surface micro-scratches consistent with age and gentle polishing. No significant dents, splits, or thinning. The hallmark remains crisp and legible.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Value is driven by the London hallmark, sterling weight, and the crisp condition of the engine turning.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright’s). Use a soft-bristled brush to remove polish residue from the engine-turned grooves. Store in a Pacific silver-cloth bag to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Mappin & Webb engine-turned dishes; Asprey & Co. tobacco-related silver; Cartier Art Deco silver bowls.
Interesting Facts
Engine turning (guilloché) was once a highly specialized trade within silversmithing, requiring a dedicated craftsman called an 'engine turner' who used a rose engine lathe to cut individual lines into the metal.