Art Nouveau Scalloped Sterling Silver Bonbon Dish with Openwork Scroll Handles
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl) · Likely American or Continental silversmith (e.g., Gorham, International, or Unger Bros). Without clear hallmark visibility, the handle style suggests an American Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau manufacturer from the early 20th century.
Pattern: Unidentified Scalloped Pattern; often generic to the Art Nouveau period, characterized by organic, fluid lines and lack of rigid geometric constraints.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl)
Maker
Likely American or Continental silversmith (e.g., Gorham, International, or Unger Bros). Without clear hallmark visibility, the handle style suggests an American Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau manufacturer from the early 20th century.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate. The appearance of heavy verdigris (green oxidation) suggests high copper content in the base metal or alloy, often seen in lower-purity silver or worn silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 5-6 inches; width across handles: 7-8 inches; weight: approximately 120-180 grams depending on whether it is solid sterling or silver-plated brass/copper.
Description
This charming bonbon dish features a fluid, scalloped rim that evokes a floral or seashell motif. The double handles are intricately cast with scrollwork, providing a elegant contrast to the simple, textured interior of the bowl. Once a staple of Victorian and Edwardian tea tables, these dishes were used to serve small delicacies.
Key Features
Scalloped 'shell' rim; twin openwork scroll handles; hammered interior finish; organic, flowing silhouette.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate. The appearance of heavy verdigris (green oxidation) suggests high copper content in the base metal or alloy, often seen in lower-purity silver or worn silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
The bowl features a lobed/scalloped rim design with a hammered or 'martelé' texture inside. Decoration is concentrated on the applied openwork scroll handles in a Neo-Rococo or Art Nouveau style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks would be on the underside of the base; likely a 'Sterling' stamp or manufacturer's logo. In its current condition, marks may be obscured by heavy oxidation (verdigris).
Construction Details
Hand-raised or spun bowl body with applied cast scroll handles. The joint between the handles and the scalloped body appears to be silver-soldered.
Functional Features
Double-handled for pass-around service; low, wide basin designed for candies, nuts, or small confections ('bonbons').
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver openwork handles with scroll/loop motifs. They are attached at two points on the rim for structural stability. Condition shows significant tarnish and potential surface pitting.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality; the casting on the handles is detailed but the assembly is standard for commercial silver of the period. The hammered finish serves to hide minor imperfections and add a hand-crafted aesthetic.
Authentication Indicators
The style of the handles and the irregularity of the scalloped rim are consistent with early 20th-century silver production. Verification requires cleaning to locate the '925' or 'Sterling' mark.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Germany (Hanau region). The manufacturing involves a blend of machine-forming for the basic bowl shape with hand-finished decorative elements.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau / Arts & Crafts Period (circa 1890-1920). The organic scalloped edges and fluid scrollwork are prototypical of this era's rejection of mass-produced industrial looks.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1915. The design language is consistent with the late Victorian transition into the Art Nouveau movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Social Tea' culture of the early 20th century where every food item, from lemons to specific candies, required dedicated silver serving pieces.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. The piece exhibits heavy verdigris (green corrosion), which indicates the silver layer has been breached or is reacting strongly to environmental moisture/chemicals. There is significant tarnish and surface buildup.
Value Estimate
$40 - $70 in current condition; $125 - $250 if professionaly cleaned and confirmed as Sterling by a reputable maker.
Care & Maintenance
Requires urgent cleaning. Start with a mild dish soap and warm water to remove surface residue, followed by a professional silver foam (like Wright's). For the heavy green verdigris, a gentle paste of baking soda and water may be needed, though professional conservation is recommended if it is a high-value maker.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. clover-leaf dishes; Gorham 'Strasbourg' hollowware; English Victorian sweetmeat baskets (which usually have a swing handle).
Interesting Facts
The term 'bonbon' comes from 17th-century French royalty; by the time this dish was made, owning specialized silver for specific sweets was a sign of middle-class social standing.