What were pierced silver dishes used for?

These vessels served various domestic functions at the dining table and in the drawing room, holding fruits, bread, bonbons, sugar, and small foodstuffs. Versions with glass liners additionally functioned as salt cellars, mustard pots, and butter dishes. In polite society, openwork baskets and footed bowls acted as decorative centrepieces or receptacles for potpourri and visiting cards. Their pierced walls allowed airflow or simply showcased coloured glass liners placed within them.

How do I care for a sterling silver dish?

Cleaning requires warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth to remove dust and tarnish without scratching the delicate pierced lattice work. Avoid harsh abrasive dips that can strip away the original patina accumulated over decades. Store the dish in a dry environment away from direct sunlight and rubber materials, which accelerate tarnish. If the piece includes a removable glass liner, wash and dry the glass separately before returning it to the silver mount.

Are glass liners original to the dishes?

Original glass liners fit snugly into the contours of salt cellars, mustard pots, and baskets without excessive movement or gaps. The colour of the glass - frequently cobalt blue, cranberry, or ruby - often matches the manufacturing period of the silver mount. Replacements remain common due to the fragile nature of old glass, but period-correct replacements still complement antique silver effectively. Examining the base of the glass for pontil marks or period manufacturing traits helps determine its age.