Godinger Appraisal

Godinger Butterfly Silver Plate Trinket Dish

This is a decorative metal trinket dish or candy bowl designed in the whimsical shape of a butterfly, likely manufactured by Godinger Silver Art Co. during the late 20th century. The piece is constructed from a heavy base metal, commonly brass or zinc alloy, which has been finished with a lustrous silver plating. The butterfly's wings serve as dual shallow basins, featuring subtle scalloped edges that mimic the natural contours of lepidopteran wings. The central body consists of a cylindrical, segmented torso with a rounded head and four curling antennae extending from the side, which double as small handle-like decorative elements. The item shows significant signs of age and wear; there is noticeable tarnish and oxidation across the interior surfaces, along with localized pitting and instances where the silver plating has thinned or worn away, particularly along the rim and base. A small orange-red mark is visible in the upper wing basin, which may be a remnant of a surface stain or price marking. The overall craftsmanship is industrial-grade decorative ware, consistent with the mass-produced vintage giftware style popular in the 1980s and 1990s.