What was a centrepiece bowl used for?

These vessels held fruit, bread, or decorative flowers to anchor a formal dining table during the late nineteenth century. They stood in the middle of the table as decorative statements that reflected the host's taste and wealth.

How do I date a silver bowl?

Hallmarks stamped directly into the sterling silver provide the exact year of assay and the workshop that produced it. Additional clues come from the stylistic movement, such as Aesthetic Movement or Arts and Crafts motifs present in the chasing.

Can I use these bowls for serving food?

Silver and ceramic bowls function safely for serving dry foods like fruit or bread during meals. Silver plate and delicate porcelain require careful hand washing to preserve the original finish and any applied gold leaf.

What is the difference between silver and silver plate?

Solid silver objects consist entirely of precious metal throughout the body and carry official hallmarks for sterling standard. Silver plate involves a thin layer of silver bonded over a base metal foundation, identified by different manufacturer marks.