ANTIQUE SILVER ENTREE DISHES
Antique Silver entree dishes Description:
An entrée dish is a type of dish, normally covered for serving the first course (the entrée) before the main course. Today they are used mainly to serve vegetables accompanying the main meal.
Antique Silver entree dishes History:
There were very few examples made before 1780. The vast majority were made in the late Georgian and Victorian period. Entrée dishes were still made in the early 20th century and are still being made today.
Antique Silver entree dishes Design:
Entrée dishes are a shallow, usually rectangular, but sometimes oval or octagonal, serving dish. They have a flat base and sometimes have four feet. Entrée dishes have a cover of slightly smaller dimensions but same shape, with a removable handle. The inversion of this top cover allowed two dishes to be used side by side when not being used to retain heat. Earlier examples of entrée dishes had handles that screwed in, the later ones having handles with bayonet fittings for easier removal. Often sold in pairs or sets of four, their designs reflected the period styles i.e. gadroon edges in the early 1800s.
Antique Silver entree dishes Collectors Note:
A silver pair should not only have good hallmarks, but they should be exactly the same across the pair, the removable lids should have matching hallmarks, and if the handles are removable, they should have corresponding marks as well. Be especially careful with the latter as handles are often lost and replaced with non-original ones. Also look closely at any applied borders to make sure that there is no damage, and inspect the cartouches for thin spots.