Mid-Century Modern Silverplated Kidney-Shaped Bonbon or Nut Dish
Hollowware (Nut Dish/Bonbonniere) · Likely American or European mass manufacturer (e.g., Oneida, Poole, or Leonard); high-volume production for the mid-market giftware industry.
Pattern: Generic Kidney/Bean pattern; common mid-20th-century organic modernism design, often un-named or part of a general 'Giftware' line.
Type
Hollowware (Nut Dish/Bonbonniere)
Maker
Likely American or European mass manufacturer (e.g., Oneida, Poole, or Leonard); high-volume production for the mid-market giftware industry.
Material
Silverplated base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) with a thin electroplated silver coating; visible wear suggests non-precious core.
Dimensions
Standard individual size: approx. 4-6 inches in length; lightweight due to thin-walled construction (estimated weight 100-150g).
Description
An organic, kidney-shaped small serving dish designed for candies or nuts. The piece features a smooth, reflective outer rim that contrasts sharply with a granular, textured interior. This 'Biomorphic' design was a staple of mid-century households, reflecting the era's fascination with fluid, natural forms.
Key Features
Biomorphic kidney shape; dual-texture finish (smooth vs. stippled); machine-rolled protective rim; thin-gauge metal construction.
Material & Composition
Silverplated base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) with a thin electroplated silver coating; visible wear suggests non-precious core.
Finish & Decoration
Combination finish: high-polish mirror-finish rim with a stippled or 'orange peel' textured interior bowl to hide scratches from use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No marks visible in image; typically stamped 'Silverplate', 'EPNS', or with a maker's logo on the reverse/bottom side.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck or stamped from a single sheet of base metal; low-cost industrial manufacturing process with machine-rolled edges.
Functional Features
Kidney-shaped ergonomic curve for easy side-table placement; textured interior prevents nuts or mints from sliding excessively.
Handle & Grip Details
No separate handle; the reinforced rolled edge of the rim serves as the primary grip point.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; precision die-stamping ensures uniformity, but lacks the depth and soul of hand-chased or hand-raised silver pieces.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of sterling '925' marks; typical 'bleeding' of base metal; uniform machine-made symmetry; lightweight feel inconsistent with solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Japan; mass-produced in factory settings to meet growing suburban demand for affordable formal dinnerware.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-War Era, approx. 1950-1970); characterized by organic shapes and functionalist textures.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the kidney shape (highly popular in 1950s furniture/decor) and the specific stippled interior texture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the 20th century, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to emulate aristocratic service styles at a lower cost.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; significant tarnish and oxidation in the textured crevices; visible pitting and 'bleeding' where the silver plate has worn away to the base metal.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 (primarily decorative/utilitarian value; low silver content and mass production limit investment value).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive dips; use a mild silver cream and a very soft brush to remove tarnish from the stippled interior to prevent further plating loss.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Kidney Dish (much heavier/solid); various Paul Revere reproduction bowls; Danish Modern stainless steel nut dishes.
Interesting Facts
The kidney shape became a symbol of the 1950s 'Atomic Age' and was used for everything from coffee tables to swimming pools and silver serving pieces.