Silver Plated Round Basket with Swing Handle and Repoussé Floral Rim
Hollowware - Basket, Compote, or Cake/Serving Dish with Swing Handle · Unknown manufacturer, likely a British or American mid-20th century silverplate producer such as Sheffield makers, Oneida, or international electroplate companies.
Pattern: Traditional Floral Scroll and Rococo Revival motif, widely produced across various manufacturers during the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware - Basket, Compote, or Cake/Serving Dish with Swing Handle
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely a British or American mid-20th century silverplate producer such as Sheffield makers, Oneida, or international electroplate companies.
Material
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar base metal core).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches); height with handle up around 12-15 cm. Standard individual or small serving size.
Description
An elegant silver-plated serving dish featuring a shallow, highly polished circular basin framed by a wide, elaborately embossed border of scrolling foliage and floral medallions. The piece is fitted with a slender, arched swing handle adorned with matching decorative details, making it both a functional server for bread or small baked goods and an attractive decorative centerpiece.
Key Features
Prominent repoussé floral scroll rim, highly reflective mirror-finish well, and a graceful collapsible swing handle.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar base metal core).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the central well with heavy embossed and repoussé floral scrolls and acanthus leaves along the broad rim; matching chased or engraved decoration on the arching swing handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the provided image; typically located on the underside of the base or near the handle joints denoting silverplate grade (e.g., EPNS, EP, or maker trademarks).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or spun bowl with applied or pressed decorative rim; pivoting swing handle attached via mechanical hinges or pins to either side of the body.
Functional Features
Collapsible arched swing handle for easy serving and compact storage; shallow recessed well suitable for bread, cakes, pastries, or small fruits.
Handle & Grip Details
Arched flat metal swing handle with matching decorative engraving on the top surface, pivoting smoothly on pins attached to the rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Good commercial-grade execution combining machine-spun forming with decorative die-stamping and hand-finished assembly of the swing handle mechanism.
Authentication Indicators
Bright, even luster characteristic of quality silverplate with clean stamping along the decorative rim; definitive authentication requires inspecting base hallmarks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Great Britain, the United States, or Europe, adhering to mass-production techniques utilizing electroplating over base white metal.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930-1960), reflecting a revival of traditional Rococo and Victorian decorative styles.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1940-1960.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-Victorian and mid-century democratization of elegant dining accessories, allowing middle-class households to enjoy ornate silver-styled serveware.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in very good vintage condition with a bright, reflective surface and minimal visible tarnish or plate loss in the photograph. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $75 USD depending on the specific maker, presence of clear hallmarks, and overall preservation of the silver plating.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand using mild warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Dry thoroughly immediately after washing. Polish periodically with a quality silverplate cream to maintain shine and avoid abrasive pads that could wear through the plating.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated cake baskets, sweetmeat dishes, and muffin warmers produced by major manufacturers like Oneida, Wallace, and various Sheffield electroplaters.
Interesting Facts
Swing-handle baskets historically served diverse dining purposes ranging from holding bread and biscuits to carrying small cakes and candies during formal afternoon teas.