Bowl / Dish / Basket

English antique silver bowls can be found dating back to the early 1600’s and these shallow porringers, with a single pierced side handle, were made for a specific purpose. When Tea was introduced into England during the 17th century the first small bowls appeared which were Tea Bowls, circa 1680, followed by small antique silver Sugar Bowls in c.1710, the early examples often with covers. The larger Antique Silver Punch Bowls were introduced in the late 17th century. Food at this time was heavily spiced and a cooling drink was needed such as wine or the newly fashionable punch. Hence the requirement for a large bowl which could be filled with either a drink or ice. Some were fitted with a shaped removable rim which could be used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer and a bowl of this type is referred to as a Monteith.

Antique Silver Dishes were originally made for very specific purposes such as the shell “butter” dishes and scalloped “strawberry dishes” (also known as “salad dishes”) which first appeared in the early 1700’s. During the later 18th and 19th centuries an extensive range of small open silver dishes evolved which make a practical addition to any dining table.

Antique Silver Baskets. Large baskets are nearly always described as cake baskets but were more commonly used for bread and fruit. Although 17th century versions are known to exist they were not commonly found until about 1735 onwards. Early examples usually have side handles or no handles and tend to be considerably heavier than George III examples and later. Sweetmeat Baskets are usually miniature versions of a cake basket of the same period. This useful item is still made today but with a change of use as a bonbon or sugar basket (sugar baskets are either unpierced or contain a glass liner).

Bowl / Dish / Basket

1625
Robert Profit
9989 Charles I Antique Silver Bowl
£5,950

An extremely early date. A rare antique silver porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form. The straight sided shape with a simple rim is the earliest type and in keeping with the early date. Small proportions and very charming with the original hand beaten finish. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets. Prick marked on the edge of the rim with the initials “MC”. Weight 108 grams, 3.4 troy ounces. Diameter 10.3cm. Height 3.5 cm. Spread 14cm. London 1625. Maker “RP” possibly Robert Profit (David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”).
1667
William Norman
9673 Charles II Gilt Silver Salver on Foot
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An outstanding piece of early English silver. A rare antique silver tazza, dating from Charles II period, having a plain form, thick gadroon borders, and a bright gilt finish. To the centre is a large, hand engraved coat of arms within a plumage feathers cartouche, very typical of the period. The quality of the piece is excellent and the finish is very crisp. Weight 1135 grams, 36.4 troy ounces. Diameter 33cm. Height 6.2cm. Sterling silver. London 1667. Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Maker “WN ”, probably William Norman* (courtesy of Dr David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). There is a gilt salver on foot by Norman in the Duke of Portland’s collection catalogued in 1935.
1673
George Watkins
10182 Charles II Antique Silver Wine Taster
£2,750

A rare early English miniature wine taster from the reign of Charles II. Very charming size. This little cup has a circular form with simple wirework handles and embossed grape decoration. Weight 21 grams, less than 1 troy ounce. Height 2 cm approx. Diameter of top 6.1cm. Spread across handles 8.9cm. London 1673. Made by George Watkins. Sterling silver.
1680
Thomas Cory
9904 Charles II Silver Bowl
£2,850

An early English silver side handled porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form and shallow bellied shape. Small proportions and very charming with the original hand beaten finish. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets.The handle is prick marked “I*C 1681 M”. Weight 104 grams, 3.3 troy ounces. Diameter 10.4cm. Height 3.6 cm. Spread 15.4cm. London 1680. Maker Thomas Cory. Sterling silver.
1683
Samuel Hawkes
9523 Charles II Silver Wine Taster
£1,750

A rare early English two-handled wine taster in sterling silver from the reign of Charles II. With a simple plain form and wirework handles. Excellent patina and faint signs of the hand hammered finish. Owners initials inscribed underneath. Weight 27 grams, just under 1 troy ounce. Height 2.2 cm (bowl), 3.5 cm (to top of handle). Diameter of top 6.5 cm. Spread across handles 9.2 cm. London 1683. Maker’s mark “SH” within a heart shaped shield, probably Samuel Hawkes (*see David Mitchell’s book on “Silversmiths in Stuart and Elizabethan England”).
Circa 1685

9779 Antique Dutch Silver Brandy Bowl
£1,650

An antique Dutch silver bowl with lobed decoration and cast pierced handles showing three children climbing on a grape vine. Good large size. Weight 213 grams, 6.8 troy ounces. Height 6cm. Spread 24.21cm. Diameter 14.3cm. Dutch silver marks for Haarlem 1740.
1689
Seth Lofthouse
9940 William & Mary Antique Chinoiserie Silver Porringer
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A fascinating and rare piece of chinoiserie silver. This early English antique sterling silver porringer, or side handled cup, is flat chased with an exuberant oriental scene incorporating Chinese people and exotic birds. The large bowl, of circular form with flared lip, is ideal for use as a drinking cup or for displaying flowers. Weight 482 grams, 14.4 troy ounces. Height 12.3cm. Diameter 14cm. Spread across the handles 21.5cm. London 1689. Maker Seth Lofthouse. Sterling silver.
Circa 1690
Heinrich Eichler
10107 Antique German Silver Wine Taster
£950

A pretty little 17th century silver dish of oval form with scalloped sides and shaped side handles. Gilt finish to the interior and outside top rim. The centre, with the flower decoration typical of the period and embossed star design, retains a silver finish. Weight 76 grams, 2.4 troy ounces. Top measures 11.1 x 9.9cm. Width across handles 13.2cm. Height 2.2cm, 3.1cm to top of handle. Augsburg, Germany. Maker Heinrich Eichler. Circa 1690.
1696
Thomas Jenkins
9781 William III Silver Bowl
£3,750

An early English silver side handled porringer (or bleeding bowl) of plain circular form. Very charming with the original hand beaten finish. The shaped and pierced handle has initials hand engraved to the centre. A useful serving bowl, handy for nuts and sweets. Weight 285 grams, 9.1 troy ounces. Diameter 12.8 cm. Height 9.8 cm. Spread 14.5 cm. London 1696. Maker “TI two escallops between”* attributed to Thomas Jenkins (see Jackson’s “Silver & Gold Marks” and David Mitchell’s “Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London”). Sterling silver.
1706
Isaac Dighton
10169 Queen Anne Antique Silver Bowl
£12,500

A rare early English silver monteith from the Queen Anne period. Large size. The decoration, with the ribbed body and decorative cartouches, is typical for this period. Particularly charming are the quaint lions mask side handles. The shaped monteith rim is fixed and was originally used to hold stem glasses, punch ladle and lemon squeezer. To the front and back there is a good hand engraved armorial for the Fitzgerald family. Underneath the bowl there is also a presentation inscription from the Fitzgerald family. Gilt interior. Weight 1895 grams, 60.9 troy ounces. Height 20cm. Diameter 29.5cm. London 1706. Maker Isaac Dighton. Britannia standard silver (95.8% pure).
1709
Nathaniel Lock
10208 Queen Anne Antique Silver Dish
£5,500

An early English antique silver bowl with scalloped edge and unusually deep bowl with 16 segments. This form is usually called a strawberry dish or salad dish. Hand engraved to the centre is a family armorial, incorporating a swan, within a decorative cartouche. Britannia standard silver. Superb colour. Weight 519 grams, 16.6 troy ounces. Height 5cm. Diameter 23.3cm. London 1709. Maker Nathaniel Lock.
1722
Joseph Clare
8155 George I Silver Bowl
£2,750

A charming antique sterling silver bowl with an applied wire rim and raised on a spreading foot. Good size. Very plain styling and excellent original colour. To one side there is a hand engraved crest of a boar and thistle. Underneath the bowl there is a scratch weight and owners initials “MF”. Weight 281 grams, 9 troy ounces. Height 8 cms. Diameter 16.8 cms. London 1722. Maker Joseph Clare I.
1724 - 1728
Johann Christoph Treffler
9884 Early 18th Century German Silver Ecuelle and Cover
£6,750

A rare and highly desirable antique silver bowl with matching lid, the cast side handles with face masks and foliate scroll work. Handy size, suitable for serving vegetables. The cover, applied with portrait medallions and three scroll and dolphin feet, can be inverted for use as a bowl stand or a spoon tray. The rim of the bowl and cover are hand engraved with decorative strapwork designs. The centre top has a large monogram with intertwined initials in old fashioned script, repeated to the outside of the bowl (worn). Weight 391 grams, 12.5cm. Height 6cm (bowl), 9.1cm (bowl and lid). Diameter 8cm. Spread 22cm. German silver marks for Augsburg. Maker Johann Christoph Treffler 1724-28.
1726
William Darker
8488 Antique George I Octagonal Silver Sugar Bowl
£3,950

A rare early English silver sugar bowl of octagonal form. Lovely plain style and heavy gauge silver. Good colour. Weight 132 grams, 4.2 troy ounces. Height 5.5 cms. Diameter 10 cms. London 1726. Maker William Darker.
1731
Charles Kandler
10207 George II Antique Silver Spoon Tray
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An outstanding piece of workmanship by this rare and sought after maker. A small gilt silver tray; the cast, scalloped border with shell motifs, the outer border and centre with fine hand engraved decoration. The armorial is for the Gilbert family with the motto “Pro Christo et Patria” below. Weight 225 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Length 17.6cm. Width 11.5cm. London 1731. Maker Charles Kandler. Sterling silver.
1748
Samuel Taylor
9867 George II Covered Sugar Bowl
£1,750

A rare antique sterling silver covered sugar bowl of circular form on a small spreading foot. Excellent plain design, typical of the period. Good colour. In the early 18th century sugar bowls or sugar boxes nearly always had covers which, when reversed, could be used as a saucer or spoon tray. Weight 219 grams, 7.0 troy ounces. Total height 9cm. Bowl diameter 9.7cm. London 1748. Maker probably Samuel Taylor a specialist tea caddy and sugar bowl maker.
1753
Samuel Herbert And Company
9906 George II Silver Basket
£2,250

An elegant antique silver basket of oval form with a swing handle and rope borders. The simple basket weave decoration creates a clean classical style. Hand engraved to the centre is a large armorial within a decorative cartouche, the motto below reads “In Cruce Salus”. These handy multi-purpose serving baskets were originally used for bread and fruit but now are equally perfect for cakes or flowers. Weight 773 grams, 24.8 troy ounces. Height 7.7cm (26 cms to top of handle). Top measures 33 x 24.5cm. London 1753. Maker Samuel Herbert & Co. Sterling silver
1754
Samuel Taylor
9723 George II Silver Sugar Bowl
£785

An antique silver bowl with extensive embossed decoration of flowers, leaves and scrolls. To the front is a rococo design cartouche – uninscribed. Superb quality and heavy gauge silver. No lid. Weight 222 grams, 7.1 troy ounces. Height 8.4cm. Diameter 10.5cms. London 1754. Maker Samuel Taylor. Sterling silver.
1758
Samuel Herbert And Company
9835 George II Silver Basket
£8,750

A magnificent George II silver basket of oval form with excellent quality hand cut pierced work and a Chinoiserie theme. This really is a very fine example. Both the upper border and bottom frieze are cast with flowers, scrolls, and Chinese face masks. The swing handle has a cast figure of a Chinese lady to both sides. The centre is beautifully engraved with a coat of arms within a large decorative cartouche. Very good weight and colour. Weight 1770 grams, 56.9 troy oz. Height 30cm (total including handle), 12cm (basket only). Top measures 38 x 32cm. London 1758. Maker Samuel Herbert & Co. Sterling silver.
1760
Arthur Annesley
9745 George III Silver Basket
£2,750

An early English silver basket of oval form with a fruiting vine decorated swing handle and traditional bead borders. First year of George III’s reign. Very heavy weight. The attractive wirework design has applied decoration of vine leaves, bunches of grapes and wheat stalks which have been stamped and chased and then soldered onto the wires. This type of ornament shows that this basket would originally have been used for fruit or bread. Weight 1369 grams, 44 troy ounces. Height 28 cms to top of handle). Top measures 35.5 x 30 cms. London 1760. Maker Arthur Annesley. Sterling silver.
1764
William Peaston
9882 George III Silver Basket
£5,650

A magnificent antique silver basket of oval form with swing handle. The decoration is very fine with excellent quality hand cut pierced work to the body. Both the upper border and bottom frieze are cast with flowers, scrolls, and bells. Very good weight and colour. Weight 1540 grams, 49.5 troy oz. Height 28cm (total including handle). Top measures 37 x 32cm. London 1764. Maker William Peaston. Sterling silver.
1770
Sarah Buttall
9877 George III Silver Sweetmeat Basket
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A very pretty antique silver swing handle basket of small size. Possibly a Georgian epergne basket. Attractive cutwork design decorated with flowerheads and other motifs. Cast and pierced handle. Weight 111 grams, 3.5 troy ounces. Height 5.2/12.8cm. Length 15.2cm. Width 12.5cm. London 1770. Maker Sarah Buttall. Sterling silver.
Circa 1780

9862 Georgian Silver Basket
£1,250

A superb antique silver swing handle basket with pierced work silver body and bead borders. Lovely classical style with bands of matting and Roman emperor face masks. In the centre there are hand engraved crests of a stag and unicorn within a decorative cartouche. Weight 1143 grams, 36.7 troy ounces. Length 37cm. Width 28cm. Height 10.3cm, 27cm (to top of handle). Unmarked silver. Circa 1780. English sterling silver.
1788
Robert Breading
10144 George III Antique Silver Dish Ring
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Of sporting interest. An Irish antique silver dish ring, of traditional design, beautifully pierced and embossed with a shooting scene of huntsmen in a wooded glen accompanied by dogs and flying birds. To the front is a large, vacant cartouche. Weight 424 grams, 13.6 troy ounces. Height 10cm. Diameter 18.3cm (top), 19.6cm (bottom). Dublin 1788. Maker probably Robert Breading. Sterling silver.
1790
Henry Greene
9744 George III Silver Shell Dishes
£1,150

A pretty pair of antique silver butter dishes in the form of a scallop shell. Simple design with a plain reed border. Charming little whelk shell feet. Weight 233 grams, 7.45 troy ounces. Each measures 14.1×13.1cm. Height 3.5cm. London 1788/90. Maker Henry Green. Sterling silver.
1796
Henry Chawner And John Emes
7063 George III Sugar Basket
£350

A classic design antique sterling silver bonbon basket with swing handle and pedestal foot. Very attractive oval boat shape. Pretty bright cut engraving to the body and foot and there is a decorative cartouche to the front and back (uninscribed). Original gilt interior. Weight 192 grams, 6.1 troy ounces. Height 9.5 cms (15 cms to top of handle). Length 12.75 cms. Width 8.5 cms. London 1796. Maker Henry Chawner and John Emes.
1803
Thomas Wallis II
9879 George III Silver Basket
£1,250

An elegant antique silver swing handle basket of oval form with reed borders. Lovely classical style. The body has a scalloped edge and a broad band of hand engraved decoration of flowers and leaves. Suitable for bread, cakes and candy, flowers and fruit. Weight 833 grams, 26.7 troy ounces. Length 36cm. Width 25cm. Height 11cm (without handle), 26.5cm (to top of handle). Initials engraved to the top of the handle. London 1803. Maker Thomas Wallis II. Sterling silver.
1807
Mary Troby
6043 Georgian Silver Table Centrepiece
£3,500

An elegant antique sterling silver centerpiece complete with matching suite of contemporary cut crystal bowls. Plain oval shape with 4 detachable arms, classical ram’s heads with looped chains, and paw feet. The weight of silver is 1297 grams, 41.7 troy ounces. Height 24.25 cms. Spread 47 cms. Bowls 29.5 x 20.5/13 x 9 cms. All pieces marked London 1807. Maker Mary Troby.
1807
Benjamin Smith
10137 George III Antique Silver Basket
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A very fine antique silver basket of rectangular form with swing handle and pierced silver foot. Excellent quality and weight as you’d expect from this highly desirable maker. The openwork vine borders are among the most distinctive and accomplished achievements of Benjamin Smith and similar to those of Paul Storr, not surprisingly as both firms manufactured almost entirely for Rundell and Bridge at this time. The centre has an engraved “C” within an applied cartouche with swags and bells. Weight 1322 grams, 42.5 troy ounces. Height 21.5cm (handle extended), 7.2cm (handle folded). Length 30cm. Width 24.5cm. London 1807. Maker Benjamin Smith.
1818
Kirby Waterhouse
9829 George III Silver Basket
£1,750

A handsome antique sterling silver basket with swing handle and pedestal foot. Excellent quality and weight. With the ribbed body and gadroon borders typical of the period. The all over hand chased decoration of flowers, leaves and hatching is particularly good. Weight 1187 grams, 38.1 troy ounces. Height 285cm. Length 34.3cm. Width 28cm. Sheffield 1818. Maker Kirby Waterhouse. Sterling silver.
1827
David Crichton Rait
10222 George IV Antique Silver Bowl
£4,950

A magnificent Scottish antique silver centrepiece bowl with deep repousse decoration of flowers and foliage. The centre has the original bright gilding. Fantastic quality, large size and heavy gauge silver. To the front is an interesting presentation inscription. Weight 1567 grams, 30.3 troy oz. Diameter 26.2cm. Height 13.4cm. Glasgow 1827. Maker David Crichton Rait. Sterling silver. 19^th century.
1834
William Barber
9979 Antique Silver Bowl
£750

A magnificent antique sterling silver cream bowl with a bright gilt interior; the two side handles formed as intertwined serpents. To the front and back there are classical scenes of the god Neptune with sea horses and mermen. Weight 526 grams, 16.9 troy ounces. Height 8.5cm. Rim diameter 13.4cm. Spread 19cm. London 1834. Maker William Barber. Sterling silver.