Edwardian Art Nouveau Repoussé Sterling Silver Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Dish) · Attributed to British Birmingham or Sheffield makers such as Walker & Hall or Deakin & Francis, representative of the early 20th-century mass-market luxury silversmithing industry in the UK.
Pattern: Generic Art Nouveau Scroll and Scallop, characteristic of late Victorian/Edwardian catalog stock rather than a named designer collection.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Dish)
Maker
Attributed to British Birmingham or Sheffield makers such as Walker & Hall or Deakin & Francis, representative of the early 20th-century mass-market luxury silversmithing industry in the UK.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver construction, no evidence of plating or base metal core.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 5-7 inches (12-18 cm). Estimated weight: 80-150 grams. Typical for tabletop sweetmeat servers.
Description
A charming example of early 20th-century tabletop silver, this bonbon dish features a rhythmically scalloped perimeter surrounding a central well decorated with chased geometric and foliate motifs. The play of light across the lobed edges showcases the high-polish finish typical of the Edwardian period.
Key Features
Scalloped rim with triple-line chasing, stippled geometric center border, and deep repoussé lobes that create a flower-like silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity); solid silver construction, no evidence of plating or base metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish with repoussé (embossed) scroll motifs, chased geometric borders featuring stippled circles and diamonds, and a scalloped 'pie crust' rim. The design blends Rococo Revival flourishes with Art Nouveau linework.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the frame, but expected marks would include the Lion Passant (British Sterling), a city mark (Anchor for Birmingham or Crown for Sheffield), and a date letter (gothic or sans-serif depending on year).
Construction Details
Die-struck or stamped from a flat sheet of sterling silver, evidenced by the sharp, uniform precision of the repetitive scalloped edges and consistent depth of the chasing.
Functional Features
Wide shallow bowl for presentation of small candies or nuts; fluted edges allow for easy finger access and light refraction to enhance the table setting.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; this is a handle-less dish, though the scalloped rim acts as a continuous grip point for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry is excellent, and the finishing of the scalloped edges is smooth, indicating professional hand-finishing after the initial machine stamping.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the chasing and the slight irregularities in the curves suggest a high-quality die-stamp; the metal luster is consistent with sterling silver age patination rather than electroplate wear.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (likely Birmingham), manufactured using industrial silver-smithing techniques pioneered during the British Industrial Revolution to provide luxury goods to the middle class.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910), showing the transition from heavy Victorian ornamentation to the more fluid, whip-lash curves of Art Nouveau.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1915, based on the specific combination of geometric chasing and organic lobed edges.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of silver; during this era, mechanical production made sterling silver accessible to a broader range of households, not just the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Micro-scratching consistent with age and light polishing. No significant dents; however, light 'fire scale' or slight tarnish is visible in the recessed chased areas.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD, depending on the weight and the specific silversmith identified on the reverse hallmarking.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cotton cloth and high-quality cream like Wright's. Avoid silver dips which can strip the intentional oxidation in the chased grooves that provides contrast.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Art Nouveau dishes (usually heavier with floral repoussé) or Liberty & Co 'Cymric' silver (more stylized and handcrafted in appearance).
Interesting Facts
Bonbon dishes were essential status symbols in Edwardian high-tea culture, where the presentation of imported chocolate and sugar was a display of wealth.