Birks Sterling Silver Pierced Oval Bonbon Dish with Shell Feet
Hollowware/Bonbon Dish · Henry Birks & Sons (Birks), founded in 1879 in Montreal, Canada. Birks is widely regarded as 'The Tiffany of the North' due to its high-quality craftsmanship and status as a purveyor to the Royal Family.
Pattern: Rococo-Style Pierced Lattice; specific catalog number 51/81. While not a named flatware pattern, this decorative style was a staple for Birks mid-century hollowware.
Type
Hollowware/Bonbon Dish
Maker
Henry Birks & Sons (Birks), founded in 1879 in Montreal, Canada. Birks is widely regarded as 'The Tiffany of the North' due to its high-quality craftsmanship and status as a purveyor to the Royal Family.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of weighting or base metal cores.
Dimensions
Estimated at 15-20 cm in length and 4-6 cm in height. Estimated weight ranges from 120 to 180 grams based on typical Birks pieces of this gauge.
Description
An elegant example of Canadian silver craftsmanship, this Birks sterling dish combines the lightness of pierced openwork with the substance of solid shell-cast feet. The oval form is complemented by scrolled borders, creating a sophisticated play of light and shadow.
Key Features
Intricate C-scroll piercing; heavy cast shell feet; clear Birks retail markers; high-quality gauge sterling silver typical of early-to-mid 20th century Canadian production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of weighting or base metal cores.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished interior and base with intricate pierced openwork (filigree effect) around the rim. The decoration features C-scroll and foliate cut-outs. It is supported by three or four cast shell-and-scroll feet.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'BIRKS' in a rectangular box; 'STERLING' in block letters; a small date/assay symbol (likely the Birks wheat sheaf or lion mark); and the pattern/production number '51/81'.
Construction Details
The body is likely spun or press-formed and then intricately machine-pierced or die-cut. The shell feet are cast separately and hand-soldered to the base of the bowl.
Functional Features
Raised on feet to prevent condensation or scratches on tabletops; pierced walls provide ventilation for candies or allow for a decorative display of color through the metal.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles; the wide flared rim serves as the grip. The shell feet serve as the primary structural grip for the tabletop surface.
Craftsmanship Details
The soldering of the feet is exceptionally clean, with no excess flux visible. The piercing is symmetrical and well-finished, avoiding sharp edges commonly found on lower-quality silver plate copies.
Authentication Indicators
The 'BIRKS' stamp is deep and crisp, consistent with authentic hydraulic stamping. Wear patterns on the bottom of the feet match the age of the piece. The '51/81' numbering follows the Birks internal inventory system.
Origin & Manufacturing
Montreal, Canada; manufactured in the Birks central workshops which were known for adapting traditional British silver standards to North American tastes.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (approx. 1940-1960), featuring Neo-Rococo and Victorian revival elements commonly produced during this era of Canadian silver manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The specific typeface of the 'STERLING' stamp and the numerical sequence 51/81 align with Birks' mid-century production logs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in North America where sterling silver hollowware became a standard 'must-have' for middle-class wedding registries and formal dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface micro-scratching on the base consistent with light use. Minor tarnish visible around the joints of the feet and within the piercings. No visible cracks or denting in the delicate lattice.
Value Estimate
$150.00 - $300.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by weight and the 'Birks' brand prestige in the Canadian and US markets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) to reach into the piercings. Rinse thoroughly to ensure no dried paste remains in the lattice. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Pierced Dishes (usually higher price point); Gorham 'Chantilly' hollowware (similar scrollwork but often different foot styles); English hallmarked bonbon dishes by Mappin & Webb.
Interesting Facts
Birks was once the exclusive Canadian agent for many high-end British silversmiths, leading them to adopt many English design cues in their own factory productions.