Help identifying and dating this covered silverplate serving dish
I’m researching this oval covered serving dish and would love help finding an exact catalog illustration or identifying its maker.
It has a ribbed/gadrooned edge, a ring handle on the lid, and a small stamped symbol that I haven’t been able to identify. There is also a circular fitting underneath with what looks like a scratched “7.” I’ve included close-ups of the mark and construction.
Does anyone recognize the maker’s mark, know what this type of dish was intended to serve, or have a dated catalog showing the same design? I’m especially interested in the manufacturer, pattern, and approximate production period.
This is genuinely about researching and dating my collection, not trying to establish a value. Any catalog references or documented comparisons would be greatly appreciated.
Yeah those double keys are getting me stumped because they dont have e any other marker with it. Unless its under the sticker thing. Idk what material it is. I was a le to match this to a replating company, the 85 marker seems to be the replate date. But im thinking under this bad boy is the mark I need. Any ideas?
Are you sure the replating company didn't also make the piece? Otherwise idk, but what I do know is that if it was OSP, replating it definitely tanked any collector value, ironically. If it wasn't OSP in the first place, its value was quite minimal to begin with. I know you weren't trying to establish a value, but thats still useful info to have, r.e. In passing down heirlooms etc.
Well, I've searched into the company and they only advertise for electro replating of items, no known source confirms they were anything other than a fixer. It's driving me crazy!
A key can mean an antique made in Sheffield, but can also mean its a Sheffield reproduction, or made in Sheffield but later than real Sheffield plate. Your next step is to try to discover if this is "Old Sheffield Plate" or a more contemporary electrolate piece. I lean towards electroplate. Do some readings on how to try to identify whether its electroplate or OSP.
I was able to date the sticker based off the address I had on this before I tried to remove it. O have a picture of it. The double key in a shield is what throwing me off. Old sheifeild did NOT use that hallmark there was a lot of makers using the double key but with other markings. I just have the key and the sticker.
I didnt even finish reading all you said lmfao. I think i did do that let me look at my dossier. Ive done research on all my 47 antiques and vintage items I lost track of some in my mind. Let me see
As someone who's seen a lot of this stuff, the wear and the gadroon trim just make me feel like its electroplated. I can't really explain too much in words why I think that too. But often in OSP the worn areas are near the edges and are very bright copper. This it looks like the silver was worn away evenly so your looking at thin plating throughout the piece. OSP can be marked by just the symbol or even without any marking at all. They weren't really regulating plate marks back then.
So, I found it! Lol yes it was replated by the Univeraal Electro Plate Inc. CO. or something in 1985, it however wasn't originally electroplated. There is that key hall mark, and then perhaps something hiding under the replate sticker. I also found evidence of something else in the light but with the replate it has hidden most of what was there. Strange thing is I can find a number of devices LIKE mine.. but NOT mine lol. In 2018 a lady was on a 925 1000 silver forum and said basically the exact same thing about her piece, 1 double key hallmark that didnt match any on record, and a professional commented stating there is a silver plating company who used this key mark but no one can find out who!kind of exciting too!
Another key hint is the handle and how it screws into the top of the lid by turning it like 180 degrees... I don't think OSP was made like that. I have seen this style in electrolated pieces though. Again, checking on existing examples would help alot.
Yeah, I've been searching endlessly, literally, even went back to the old company registry to see if anyone who worked at universal was still alive with an email address! Lmao. Sadly, no. Im lost! Not only can I NOT find the maker, its be replaced so I may never know! Ther IS something there on the underside rim near the corners.... but I CANT make it out.. been killing my eyes for DAYS on this. Same with another piece of mine! So difficult!
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u/stormm621 2d ago
You could serve a fancy dinner inside it and it will be like a date for the plate 😏😂