Pierced Heart Pattern Silver-Plated or Gilt Brass Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Nut/Candy Dish or Bonbonnière) · Unmarked commercial manufacturer, possibly mid-20th century European or American giftware brand.
Pattern: Generic Pierced Heart Motif Collection
Type
Hollowware (Nut/Candy Dish or Bonbonnière)
Maker
Unmarked commercial manufacturer, possibly mid-20th century European or American giftware brand.
Material
Likely silver-plated brass with heavy gold-tone lacquer or vermeil-style finish; base metal appears to be a yellow copper-alloy (brass).
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm); Height 2-3 inches (5-7 cm); estimated weight 150-250 grams.
Description
An elegant, small-form decorative dish featuring a recurring heart motif. The piece utilizes a high-gloss gold-tone finish to mimic vermeil, serving as an accessible luxury item for the mid-century home. Its scalloped edge and light-distributing piercings make it an ideal vessel for confectionery or as a vanity catch-all.
Key Features
Repetitive machine-punched heart cut-outs; scalloped rim; spun metal striations visible on the base underside.
Material & Composition
Likely silver-plated brass with heavy gold-tone lacquer or vermeil-style finish; base metal appears to be a yellow copper-alloy (brass).
Finish & Decoration
Polished gold-tone finish (gold-toned lacquer or thin wash); features machine-pierced openwork in a repeating heart pattern around the scalloped rim with a satin-finished interior and base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or maker's marks are present on the foot or underside; common in decorative plated giftware intended for mass retail.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body from a flat metal sheet; heart patterns are die-cut/stamped; foot is likely soldered or attached via a center-point tension fit (visible indent in center of foot).
Functional Features
Scalloped rim and pierced drainage for ventilation (if used for fruit/confections); weighted-style foot for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a handleless bowl form.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-production; consistent die-cut patterns; functional but lacks the high-level hand-chasing or soldering typical of artisan silver.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of silver marks (925, Sterling) and the yellowish hue visible in worn areas strongly indicate a plated base metal rather than solid silver; concentric circles on base indicate industrial spinning.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in a commercial workshop in Western Europe or the United States using semi-automated industrial processes.
Era & Period
Modern/Retro (Post-WWII, c. 1950-1970). The heart motif and industrial spun-finish suggest mid-20th century decorative giftware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the mechanical finish and specific decorative style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silverware' style in the 20th century where mass-produced plated items allowed the middle class to emulate high-end formal tea and dinner services.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface pitting and oxidation on the exterior (tarnish typical of thin plating over brass); some scratching on the interior bowl surfaces; original finish shows signs of thinning/wear-through.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD (primarily decorative value rather than precious metal value).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive silver dips; clean with mild soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth; if the gold-tone is a lacquer, avoid chemicals which may strip the coating.
Similar Pieces
Wallace or Gorham plated silver heart bowls (often heavier/thicker) or mid-century brass nut dishes from India.
Interesting Facts
The heart-pierced rim is a simplified version of the more complex hand-pierced 'lattice' and 'basket' work found in 18th-century Georgian silver dishes.