What were sweetmeat dishes used for?

These dishes held sweet confections, small sugar plums, nuts, or dried fruits served at the end of a formal meal. They sat directly on the dining table or sideboard for guests to help themselves. Over time, their uses expanded into general decorative tableware, often displayed empty or holding small items in a drawing room.

How do I clean silver and glass dishes?

Solid silver and silver plate require a soft cloth and a reputable silver polish formulated to remove tarnish without abrading the surface. Care must be taken around embossed details and pierced sections. Glass liners should be removed and washed in warm, soapy water separately from the metal frames to protect both materials.

Are all these dishes made of solid silver?

The selection includes both sterling silver and silver plated items. Hallmarks stamped into the metal usually indicate solid sterling silver and identify the assay office and date. Silver plated pieces use a base metal beneath the silver coating and may carry maker marks rather than standard sterling hallmarks.