Silver Plate Grape and Vine Pattern Covered Entrée Dish
Hollowware (Entrée Dish with Domed Lid) · Likely a 20th-century mass producer such as Sheridan, Leonard, or Poole Silver Co. These companies specialized in high-quality silver-plated serving ware for the mid-market.
Pattern: Vintage Grape (also widely known as 'Grape and Vine' or 'Old Maryland Engraved' style border). Introduced in various forms by many American silver plate manufacturers throughout the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Entrée Dish with Domed Lid)
Maker
Likely a 20th-century mass producer such as Sheridan, Leonard, or Poole Silver Co. These companies specialized in high-quality silver-plated serving ware for the mid-market.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely a copper or nickel alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Note the yellowish tint in high-wear areas suggesting 'bleed through' of the base metal.
Dimensions
Approximately 12 inches in length and 9 inches in width. Weight is estimated at 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms due to the heavy gauge base metal and cast decorative elements.
Description
This ornate covered entrée dish is a quintessential piece of mid-century formal dining. Featuring the ever-popular 'Grape and Vine' motif, the dish consists of a lobed base and a high-domed lid designed to retain heat. The heavy applied borders provide a luxurious visual weight, while the intricate cast handle serves as a decorative centerpiece. It represents the height of suburban formal entertaining in the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Continuous grape-and-leaf border; lobed 'Old English' shape; heavy cast detachable handle; reflective high-polish surface and substantial physical weight.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely a copper or nickel alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Note the yellowish tint in high-wear areas suggesting 'bleed through' of the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with applied cast borders. Features high-relief grape clusters and vine leaves in a Rococo Revival style. The lid features a matching applied decorative ring and a cast foliate handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the base with 'Silver on Copper' or 'EPNS' along with a manufacturer's crest (e.g., a lion, crown, or shield). Authentic sterling pieces would bear a 'Sterling' or '925' stamp, which is noticeably absent from the visible high-wear edges.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with die-struck or cast applied borders. The handle is cast separately and attached via a screw-on or soldered mechanism. The piece shows signs of mass-production assembly rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Removable domed lid to keep food warm during service; deep basin for holding meats or vegetables; removable handle (common in these designs) to allow the lid to be inverted and used as a second serving dish.
Handle & Grip Details
C-scroll handle with heavy foliate/acanthus leaf decoration. The handle is likely hollow-cast and secured with a threaded nut on the underside of the lid for easy cleaning and storage.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade silver plating. The applied borders are well-aligned but show the softer edges associated with mass-produced casting rather than hand-chasing found on high-end antique silver.
Authentication Indicators
The appearance of yellow/copper tones on high-relief areas indicates electroplating rather than solid sterling. The lack of a 'Sterling' mark and the specific style of the casting point toward a 20th-century plated piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely Massachusetts or New York), a hub for silver plate manufacturing during the 20th century. Produced in industrial workshops using electroplating tanks.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Rococo Revival (c. 1950-1970). This style heavily borrowed from 19th-century Victorian aesthetics to appeal to the post-war desire for formal, traditional dining sets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1975 based on the style of the applied decoration and the visible wear patterns consistent with late 20th-century silver plate.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Formal Sunday Dinner' culture of the 1950s and 60s. Such pieces were status symbols that signaled hospitality and domestic refinement in post-WWII households.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is visible 'brassing' (wear to the silver plate) on some of the raised grape elements and edges. Minor surface scratches and light tarnish are visible throughout. No major dents or structural damage observed.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Factors including the amount of plating wear (copper showing through) and the presence of the original handle significantly impact the resale value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag. Do not place in a dishwasher, as high heat and detergents will destroy the silver layer.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Vintage' pattern; Gorham 'Strasbourg' hollowware; Wallace 'Grand Baroque' plated line. Sterling versions will be significantly more expensive and thinner/lighter in construction.
Interesting Facts
The 'Grape and Vine' motif is one of the most reproduced designs in silver history, dating back to 18th-century Sheffield Plate. In the mid-20th century, these sets were popular wedding gifts for the growing American middle class.