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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: rustyattic on August 04, 2014, 03:03:01 PM

Title: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: rustyattic on August 04, 2014, 03:03:01 PM
I'm thinking maybe jelly?  Any idea the maker?  The bottom must have faded, the mark looks pretty weird.

Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 04, 2014, 04:29:30 PM
That's a nice one !! Are you sure its plate ?? I think its jam or jelly too !!  Honey and honey comb is another possibility !! 
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: Jedo_03 on August 05, 2014, 02:49:06 AM

Unsure what size this is...
But reminiscent of a Soup Tureen...
Same overall shape...
Google " image antique silver soup tureen"
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 05, 2014, 05:16:27 AM
This one doesn`t look large enough for soup !! And normally a tureen has two handles !! If you tried to pass a container of hot soup with one handle,, might need to change the tablecloth !!
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: KC on August 05, 2014, 08:28:47 AM
What is the size of it?  Heighth, width?

Is there a marking on the underside of the piece for the name of the maker?
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: rustyattic on August 05, 2014, 12:14:17 PM
It's 4in wide and 3in tall.  The last pic shows the bottom, not really much of a mark.  What about caviar bowl?
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: KC on August 05, 2014, 03:27:33 PM
Caviar servers would have a glass liner inside of them. When caviar comes into contact with silver or metal, it will tarnish the silver and develop an undesirable taste.

It could be for jam/jelly and in most instances it would have had a glass liner inside of it because of the acid turning the silver as well (and resulting with pitting over time - that is why you usually see jam/jelly servers having a glass body and silver top.  Also, the same story with mustard.  They also had dishes for horseradish or other sauces.

So all of the above can apply when a dish/liner is in it (can you see any wear marks from something have been inside or difference in silver color?

It could be a sweetmeat server (notice the handle is in a position to make it a presentor piece - not on the side).  Sweetmeats (confections, buttermints) were presented as special treats way back when sugar was more scarce and less affordable.  It could also be for sugar.

Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 05, 2014, 05:32:10 PM
I thought maybe honey or honey comb too !! It has a spoon slot so could be any of these !!  probably had a liner at some time !!  They are often missing !!
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: rustyattic on August 05, 2014, 08:49:41 PM
Here's the inside and another pic of the bottom. 
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 05, 2014, 08:56:59 PM
Mark looks like a giant bug !!
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: KC on August 05, 2014, 11:36:37 PM
Have you tested it for sterling or silver plate?

I REALLY LIKE THE PIECE!!!  Looks like a piece used by a server/waiter/servant/hostess to present to guests.

Any history on it?
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: KC on August 06, 2014, 10:43:50 AM
Okay, the more I look at this the more I believe it could be a Master Salt!  Here are a few examples

(http://www.antiquesnavigator.com/ebay/images/2010/120661411821.jpg)

(https://img1.etsystatic.com/012/0/8177640/il_570xN.462602551_bg9w.jpg)

(http://ancientpoint.com/imgs/a/c/w/s/y/continental_silver_800_lidded_master_salt_cellar__spoon_glass_insert___georgian_1_lgw.jpg)
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 06, 2014, 07:29:39 PM
Could be !! Never thought about salt,, seemed a little big for that !!
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: KC on August 06, 2014, 11:25:31 PM
A Master Salt was a rather large dish that held the vast amount - then salt would be dished out to the individual salt cellars at each place setting.  This was a symbol of status.
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: mart on August 07, 2014, 11:27:04 AM
KC,,, Just noticed that the middle pic you posted is almost identical if not identical to his !!  Or is it the one Rustyattic posted ?? Never mind that last question !!  Top is very similar but foot is different !!
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: frogpatch on August 07, 2014, 02:18:10 PM
I agree with KC on this. They would load the little salts from a master with a spoon. You could hold it in one hand and spoon the slay with the other when setting the table. Individual salts with tiny spoons were used right into the twentieth century even after the salt shaker became popular. Particular hostesses did not take well to shaking salt at the formal table and passing it around. I have seen a few and this sure looks like a master salt to me.
Title: Re: What's this silver plate piece for?
Post by: rustyattic on August 07, 2014, 09:09:10 PM
Thanks for the pics KC.  Mart's right, it's almost identical to the middle one.