Silver Plate & Gilt Shell and Maltese Dolphin Dish
£315
19th (circa 1890) century silver (plate) and gilt lined bon bon dish, a fine quality, heavy and finely cast dish in the form of an open clam shell, supported by 3 Maltese dolphins on a rock and foliage base.
Made by the renowned William Hutton and Sons who were founded in 1800 Birmingham England transferring to Sheffield in 1832 and becoming known for exceptional quality plating ( having licenced the process from Elkingtons) then in the late 1800's they developed a new nickel allow known as British Plate ( this piece is marked with both the makers mark for William Hutton and Sons as well as the BP for British plate).
The condition is a testament to the quality of the manufacture, with no issues to report as to condition, other than the gilt inside the shell may have been more intense 130 years ago.
This measures 5 1/2 inches high by 4 1/2 inches wide and weighs just under a pound .