Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Nut or Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Nut Dish, Bonbon Bowl, or Condiment Dish) · Attributed to mid-size American manufacturers such as Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver based on the circular form and fluted interior ribbing.
Pattern: Generic Fluted or Scalloped Mid-Century Pattern; similar to Gorham's 'Plain' or 'Puritan' variants with interior decorative stamping.
Type
Hollowware (Nut Dish, Bonbon Bowl, or Condiment Dish)
Maker
Attributed to mid-size American manufacturers such as Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver based on the circular form and fluted interior ribbing.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the luster and common use for this specific form of high-frequency giftware.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter, 1-2 inches in height; approximate weight 60-120 grams (2-4 troy ounces).
Description
An elegant, circular silver dish featuring a deep well and a distinctive radial pattern of fluted lines emanating from the center. Its simplicity makes it a versatile piece of table silver, typically used for formal hosting of small confections.
Key Features
Sunburst fluted interior, smooth rolled edge, mirror finish, and a low-profile pedestal or flat-bottom base.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the luster and common use for this specific form of high-frequency giftware.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished interior with a fluted or sunburst-stamped radial pattern along the inner basin; simple, unadorned rim (rolled edge).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect a 'Sterling' mark and a manufacturer's pictorial logo on the underside of the base; often includes a model number (e.g., '123').
Construction Details
Machine-spun hollowware body with die-stamped decorative fluting on the interior; likely features a rolled rim for structural rigidity.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction designed for dry snacks, nuts, or candies; low center of gravity for stable tabletop placement.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design; the grip is the polished outer rim of the vessel itself.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of high-speed machine spinning; consistent fluting spacing indicates precision die-tooling rather than hand-chasing.
Authentication Indicators
Visual luster is consistent with sterling silver rather than plate; the sharp definition of the interior fluting suggests a high-quality die-stamp consistent with major makers.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence, RI or Wallingford, CT) using mass-production spinning and stamping techniques of the 20th century.
Era & Period
Modernist / Mid-Century Modern (1940-1965); characterized by clean lines and functional simplicity with minimal applied ornament.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960 based on the profile and the specific style of the radial interior decoration.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war American shift toward semi-formal 'entertaining' culture where specialized silver pieces for nuts or mints were essential status markers.
Condition Notes
The image shows a highly reflective surface; presence of light surface scratches ('flea bites') and minor tarnishing in the crevices of the fluting is common. Overall Good condition.
Value Estimate
$40 - $95 USD (primarily based on scrap silver weight plus a small premium for brand name and condition).
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a high-quality cream polish like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dishwasher usage as heat and detergents can dull the finish.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Winthrop' nut dishes or Gorham 'Chantilly' bonbon bowls (the latter being more ornate with scalloped edges).
Interesting Facts
Small dishes like these were extremely popular as wedding gifts in the mid-20th century, leading to a high volume of production from companies like Towle and Reed & Barton.