Mappin & Webb Silver Plate Gadroon Pattern Entrée Dish Lid
Hollowware (Serving Dish Component) · Mappin & Webb, one of the most prestigious British silversmiths founded in 1775. The company holds Royal Warrants to both the British Monarch and the Prince of Wales, known for high-quality silver and silver plate.
Pattern: Gadroon (Twisted Ribbon/Rope pattern), a classic Georgian revival design produced throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Dish Component)
Maker
Mappin & Webb, one of the most prestigious British silversmiths founded in 1775. The company holds Royal Warrants to both the British Monarch and the Prince of Wales, known for high-quality silver and silver plate.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 25-30 cm (approx. 10-12 inches). Weight is likely substantial, approx. 600-800 grams for the lid alone due to the heavy nickel base metal.
Description
A refined example of British hospitality ware, this Mappin & Webb entree dish lid features the timeless gadroon border that has defined elegant dining for centuries. Originally part of a two-piece serving set used for hot vegetables or meats, the piece reflects the high standards of Sheffield plating with a thick silver deposit and heavy, well-defined casting in the handle.
Key Features
Heavy gadrooned handle, M & W maker's mark, and 'Sheffield' origin. The 'Mercato' price tag identifies it as a 'Servi Caldo Tondo' (Round Hot Server).
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with cast gadrooned (twisted rope) decorative borders on the dish edge and a matching heavy gadrooned handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'M & W' mark in a shield indicates Mappin & Webb. The small 'BP' or similar gothic-style stamp adjacent to it is characteristic of their plated output rather than sterling marks. The price tag also mentions 'SHEFFIELD', their main manufacturing hub.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with a heavy cast handle. The handle base is likely attached with a screw or silver-solder joint. The gadrooning is a applied or die-struck decorative border.
Functional Features
Includes a detachable or fixed loop handle for lifting. The lid is designed to retain heat (indicated by the 'SERVI CALSO' tag, Italian for 'serve hot').
Handle & Grip Details
A large, ergonomic loop handle with high-relief gadrooning for grip. It is likely a 'lock-in' style handle common to Mappin & Webb entree dishes, though here it appears fixed.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The clarity of the gadrooning suggests the molds were well-maintained, and the soldering of the handle base is clean and flush with the dome.
Authentication Indicators
The 'M & W' stamp is consistent with Mappin & Webb's mid-century EPNS branding. The weight and luster are characteristic of high-quality electroplate rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield is the historical heart of the British silver plating industry and where Mappin & Webb’s major factories were located.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Georgian Revival. While the style is 18th-century Neoclassical, the stamping and retail context suggest a production date between 1940 and 1970.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The crispness of the stamp and the specific retail labeling style for a second-hand 'Mercato' shop suggest a modern vintage piece.
Cultural Significance
Entree dishes were a staple of formal Victorian and Edwardian dining, allowing servants to keep food warm while the household gathered. Today they represent the 'Downton Abbey' style of service.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. There is visible surface scratching (cleaning swirls) across the dome. Dark oxidation (tarnish) is present in the crevices of the gadrooning, which is common and helps highlight the detail.
Value Estimate
€30 - €50. The tag shows €34.00, which is fair for a single lid or a common plated serving piece in a thrift/consignment setting.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive sponges which can wear through the silver layer (bleeding). Store in a soft cloth to prevent further surface scratching.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall gadroon dishes, Elkington & Co. plated hollowware, or Gorham silver-plated warming servers. Mappin & Webb pieces generally command a slight premium due to the Royal Warrant.
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb produced the original trophies for the Ryder Cup and the Monaco Grand Prix. Their 'Prince's Plate' was a proprietary, extra-thick plating process designed to last a lifetime.