Antique Silver Dishes

An antique silver dish is the perfect way to impress your guests at your dinner parties. An antique silver serving dish adds an air of class and sophistication to an event, suggestive of opulence and indulgence, food appears more enticing and appealing visually when laid out of such beautiful silver dishes.

There is a wide range of antique silver dishes to choose from and there are many styles and sizes, including rectangular, oval, round and square. There is silver serving dishes, small plates, large platters and shallow and deep pots to name a few of the antique silver dishes available. 

History of Antique Silver Dishes

From the 16th C and 17th C onwards collecting silver in ones home was common among those who were rich, royal or famous, and prior to World War II silver dishes were a regular addition to many middle and upper class families, it was a regular part of their dining experiences. It held connotations of prestige and wealth and was suggestive that the enjoyment of a meal became a past time in itself, the dining experience as a whole of importance rather than solely the food. Sets of silver dishes to serve food were a usual addition for those with high socio-economic status.

Types of Antique Silver Dishes

When purchasing an antique silver dish you may want to consider what purpose you wish it to serve; whether you want an antique silver dish that can elegantly transport food from the kitchen to the dining table or purely for decorative purposes? A silver dish to hold perfume or jewellery in the bedroom is a pretty touch.

Generally antique silver dishes have one compartment but there may be two sections to the dish. There are a number of dishes to choose from including silver fish and meat platters and vegetable and casserole dishes.

A less expensive option is a sterling silver plated dish, these are more affordable than a solid silver dish, a silver plated dish often has a fine layer of silver bonded on top of another metal, often copper, it is not as durable as a solid silver dish, but a lovely alternative nonetheless. There are also a number of nice vintage silver dishes on the market if you are within a budget. 

Many antique silver dishes are embossed or engraved with intricate designs, most antique silver dished made before World War I quite often have monograms on them, as monograms were very popular during and prior to this period.

Antique silver dishes worthy of note include silver shell butter dishes, which are an attractive feature to all meals, a silver swing handle basket also looks particular nice and is a unique way to serve bread. An antique silver tazza, a shallow, small saucer mounted on top of a foot looks visually appealing as a centrepiece on a dining table. Silver bon-bon dishes are reminiscent of a Parisian chocolate or sweet shop and add an element of romance to dessert time. There are many silver dishes to browse, from a silver bottle coaster, perfect to rest champagne on to silver trays to serve appetizers and drinks; both convey a look of luxury. 

Antique silver dishes are timeless pieces; they are perfect as gifts for weddings and anniversaries and will easily withstand the test of time.  Antique silver dishes will maintain their value, so are a solid investment piece, the heavier and thicker the dish often means they are worth more in monetary terms as more silver was used in their production. An antique silver dish is a unique and attractive addition to any dining set and they are perfect for formal dinners, special gatherings and occasions.