Victorian Sterling Silver Entree Dishes and Covers from Edward & John Barnard, 1854, Set of 2

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Cast and chased scrolled borders interspersed with fleur-de-lis motifs define this pair of heavy sterling silver entree dishes and matching … Read more Cast and chased scrolled borders interspersed with fleur-de-lis motifs define this pair of heavy sterling silver entree dishes and matching covers. Crafted in a shaped oval form, each dish features a moulded reeded rim accented by shell-like scrollwork and foliate elements. The domed lids are designed with conforming ornamental bands along their stepped registers, culminating in substantial detachable twist-off loop handles that sit upon matching decorated plinths. When removed, the flat-topped design allows the dishes to be served open or the covers inverted for additional presentation. Both covers and bases carry full English hallmarks struck for London, including the maker's mark 'EB & JB' for Edward & John Barnard, the lion passant indicating sterling standard silver, the leopard's head for the London assay office, the young head duty mark of Queen Victoria, and the Gothic date letter 'T' for 1854. The detachable handles bear corresponding assay stamps excluding the date letter, and the undersides of the dish bases display stamped British design registration diamond marks alongside pattern numbering. Together, the pair represents substantial gauge metalwork, with one assembled dish weighing approximately 1,623.4 grams (52.2 troy ounces) and the companion weighing 1,617.8 grams (52.0 troy ounces), giving a combined total of over 104 troy ounces. Maximum dimensions for each dish measure 35.5 cm in length, 26.5 cm in width, and 12.5 cm in overall height. About the Maker: Edward Barnard & Sons trace their silversmithing lineage back to Anthony Nelme in Ave Maria Lane around 1680. Edward Barnard senior served as workshop manager before assuming sole proprietorship in 1829 alongside his sons Edward, John, and William. Based at Angel Street in London, the firm became one of the foremost trade and retail silversmiths of the nineteenth century, famously producing Queen Victoria's commission for the Lily Font in 1840 for royal baptisms. The workshop was particularly celebrated for executing exceptional Neoclassical and revived Rococo patterns, demonstrating consummate technical finish across both ceremonial plate and domestic tableware. These covered dishes remain fully operational, with the original bayonet twist fittings locking firmly into the lids. Preserving clean, reflective interior wells and crisp cast relief along the perimeter mounts, they stand as handsome and practical examples of mid-Victorian London dining silver. See less