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Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866
Sold by Artisan Antiques
sold SA1112634
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

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Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

19th century
Sold 9 April 2026 · Artisan Antiques
This “Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866” found a buyer.

It was listed by Artisan Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Find more for sale
English Sterling Silver SaltVictorian Silver Salt Cellar Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

We are delighted to offer this magnificent and rare Victorian solid silver shell salt/butter dish with marks for Stephen Smith, London 1876.

Apparent upon first glance, this marvellous silver shell is a sculptural work of art in its own right. The entire design, proportion and aesthetics are delightful and capture the essence of Rococo (revival) with asymmetric, fluid and naturalistic decorations.

Formed in the shape of a giant clam, this salt cellar/butter dish takes on a nautical theme and would also make for the perfect caviar/seafood hors d'oeuvre dish today. As with many Rococo designs, these sculptural objects are embellished in all dimensions as if to invite the onlooker to handle the object and view it from different angles. No matter the viewpoint, there is an interesting, artistic and intricate detail for the viewer's delight.

This shell sits on three cast feet that are wonderfully designed as corals - such a minute yet ornate detail truly conveys the sense of intricacy and the 'no costs cut' attitude in the making of this piece.

Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or a modestly sized yet opulent piece of silverware to use on your table, this piece would certainly make for a fine addition to any silver display and the discerning collector. Additionally, with some creative uses, it may also be used to hold some small sweets, tablets or even as a jewellery dish in the modern day.

A full set of English hallmarks are present near the tip of the shell on the reverse side.

*Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

Size

Size (cm) L:9cm W:6cm H:3cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 W:2.36 H:1.18

Weight: 55 grams (1.76 Troy oz)

Condition

Excellent Condition - The shell is in excellent antique condition, with no damage or issues.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Shell Dish to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112634
Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description
We are delighted to offer this magnificent and rare Victorian solid silver shell salt/butter dish with marks for Stephen Smith, London 1876.
“
Apparent upon first glance, this marvellous silver shell is a sculptural work of art in its own right.
Artisan Antiques

The entire design, proportion and aesthetics are delightful and capture the essence of Rococo (revival) with asymmetric, fluid and naturalistic decorations.

fig 1. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

Formed in the shape of a giant clam, this salt cellar/butter dish takes on a nautical theme and would also make for the perfect caviar/seafood hors d'oeuvre dish today. As with many Rococo designs, these sculptural objects are embellished in all dimensions as if to invite the onlooker to handle the object and view it from different angles. No matter the viewpoint, there is an interesting, artistic and intricate detail for the viewer's delight.

fig 2. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

This shell sits on three cast feet that are wonderfully designed as corals - such a minute yet ornate detail truly conveys the sense of intricacy and the 'no costs cut' attitude in the making of this piece.

fig 3. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

Whether be it a wonderful collectable object of vertu or a modestly sized yet opulent piece of silverware to use on your table, this piece would certainly make for a fine addition to any silver display and the discerning collector. Additionally, with some creative uses, it may also be used to hold some small sweets, tablets or even as a jewellery dish in the modern day.

fig 4. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

A full set of English hallmarks are present near the tip of the shell on the reverse side.

Please note: all images with other items are for display purposes only, this listing is for the title item only.

fig 5. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 5. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

Size

Size (cm) L:9cm W:6cm H:3cm

Size (inches) L:3.54 W:2.36 H:1.18

Weight: 55 grams (1.76 Troy oz)

Condition

Excellent Condition - The shell is in excellent antique condition, with no damage or issues.

We aim to overemphasize and state these issues to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

fig 6. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 6. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

Free Shipping

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

fig 7. A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
fig 7. Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Silver Shell Dish to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112634
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866

Archive II A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View II
Archive III A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
Archive V A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View V
Archive VI A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View VI
Archive VII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View IX
Archive X A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View X
Archive XI A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XI
Archive XII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XV
Archive XVI A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XVI
Archive XVII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XVII
Archive XVIII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XVIII
Archive XIX A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XIX
Archive XX A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XX
Archive XXI A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XXI
Archive XXII A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports. View XXII
Enlarged Archival View
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques
Telephone 07578 761640
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/artisanantiques
Verified Since Dec 2020
Items For Sale 81
Items Sold 531
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/artisanantiques
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Sold
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A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
Antique Victorian Solid Silver Salt/Butter Dish Pair, Cast Shell Giant Clam Design - Stephen Smith 1866
Ref: SA1112634
A pair of antique Victorian sterling silver dishes cast in the form of textured giant clam shells, featuring detailed ribs and coral-like supports.
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Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTableware
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialSterling Silver
  • ColourSilver
  • MotifsClam shell form, Textured ribs, Coral-like feet, Cast detailing

FAQs

Victorian silver shell dishes reflect the eras fascination with naturalism and classical motifs, frequently employing marine themes like scallop and clam shells for functional tableware such as salt cellars and butter dishes.

These pieces were typically crafted from sterling silver using traditional techniques including sand casting, chasing, and hand engraving to achieve intricate textured details and realistic shell undulations.

Authenticity is determined by examining hallmarks stamped directly onto the silver, which usually include the makers mark, assay office symbol, standard mark (such as the lion passant for sterling), and a date letter corresponding to the year of manufacture.

These small decorative items can be placed on a mantelpiece, coffee table, or displayed inside a glass cabinet to add textural contrast, metallic sheen, and historical character to contemporary living spaces.

Antique silver should be cleaned infrequently using a specialised non-abrasive silver polish and a soft cloth to maintain its protective patina, avoiding harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive scrubbing pads.
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