Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is an attractive late Victorian Sterling Silver Bonbon Dish. The dish is circular with a plain base, alternating pierced panels, embossed flower and scroll decoration around the top and a crimped rim. There are no initials or personalisation of any kind.

Although probably originally intended for wrapped sweets, this versatile little dish could equally be used for nuts or snacks, as a trinket or jewellery dish on a dressing table or bedside cabinet, for small items of stationery on a desk, for potpourri or simply as an attractive item in its own right.

The bonbon dish is made in Sheffield by silversmiths Fenton Brothers and dates to 1895. Fenton Brothers have a complex history with many changes of personnel. The firm was founded by brothers John & Frank Fenton in 1875, by 1888 it was being run by Samuel & Alfred Fenton and by 1891 by Samuel Fenton and William Staniforth. By the start of the 20th century they were almost exclusively producing silver plate and remained in business until the late 1930s when an ill-fated merger resulted in their collapse.

Condition is very good with just the slightest bruise to the edge of the base and the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 125 years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The bonbon dish is 11.2cm / 4.4ins in diameter and stands 2.2cm / 0.87ins high. It weighs in at a very respectable 52.3g / 1.8oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the underside of the base, are well struck and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the crown assay mark for Sheffield, the Gothic date letter c for 1895 and the SF over WS in a shield makers' mark for Samuel Fenton & William Staniforth of Fenton Brothers.

Shipping in the UK is £6.50 by Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For Parcel Post.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.