Gilt-Silver Mesh Vegetable Cover or Cloche Screen
Hollowware/Table Accessory · Unmarked, attributed to European continental workshop (possibly French or Italian)
Pattern: Interlocking Wavy Wire Mesh Pattern
Type
Hollowware/Table Accessory
Maker
Unmarked, attributed to European continental workshop (possibly French or Italian)
Material
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating), potentially 800 or 925 silver base
Dimensions
Mesh gauge approx 1.5mm; individual diamond apertures approx 10mm-12mm
Description
An elegant example of gilded silver woven hollowware. This piece utilizes a zig-zag crimped wire to create a rigid yet airy mesh structure, often seen in high-end Parisian table services for covering fruit or warming dishes while allowing steam to escape.
Key Features
Woven precious metal lattice; vermeil finish; consistent architectural crimp; absence of solder at intersections
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating), potentially 800 or 925 silver base
Finish & Decoration
Gilded/Vermeil finish with a satin luster; mechanical wove architectural profile
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the macro detail; likely located on the rim or handle of the full piece
Construction Details
Crimping and weaving of silver wire; machine-assisted precision forming with hand-finished assembly
Functional Features
Breathable mesh for heat dissipation and protection from insects; ventilated food covering
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Image shows central mesh panel only; typically features a cast finial handle
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent tension and uniformity; the 'over-under' weaving is perfectly symmetrical suggesting high-quality workshop standards
Authentication Indicators
Color of gilding suggests chemical deposition typical of mid-century vermeil; wear patterns consistent with age
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely France or Italy; specialized in high-end woven silver luxury goods
Era & Period
Neoclassical Revival or Mid-Century Continental (c. 1950-1970)
Age Estimate
Mid-20th Century, 1950-1965 based on the uniformity of the crimp
Cultural Significance
Represents the elevation of utilitarian objects (the food screen) into luxury decorative arts through the use of precious metals
Condition Notes
Very Good; light surface tarnish in recesses, some minor plating wear on high contact points of the wire
Value Estimate
$400 - $1,200 depending on total weight and presence of maker's marks
Care & Maintenance
Gentle immersion in mild soapy water; avoid abrasive silver cloths which will strip the gold wash; use soft natural bristle brush
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co Bamboo Mesh items; Christofle Gallia silverplate screens (lesser value); Buccellati woven silver baskets
Interesting Facts
Silver mesh items were a height of luxury in 18th-century France and saw a significant revival in the 1950s for patio dining