
Vintage Silver-Plated Butter Dish with Glass Liner
A classic vintage butter dish consisting of three parts: a silver-plated base, a removable glass liner, and a matching silver-plated rectangular domed lid. The base features an ornate, gadrooned border with acanthus leaf or shell-like motifs, showcasing a high level of decorative craftsmanship typical of mid-20th-century hollowware. The glass insert is pressed clear glass with a sunburst or 'starburst' pattern on the bottom and vertical ribbing along the interior walls to prevent the butter from sticking. The lid is topped with a decorative finial shaped like a pinecone or acorn, which serves as a handle. Regarding condition, the silver plating exhibits significant tarnish and oxidation, presenting as dark, patchy areas across both the lid and the rim of the base. There is evidence of 'bleeding' where the base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) is beginning to show through the silver layer due to over-polishing or wear over time. The glass liner appears to be intact without major chips, though some surface grime is visible. Based on the style and construction, this piece likely dates from the 1940s to the 1960s and was a common staple in formal dining sets. No maker's mark is visible in the photograph, but such pieces were frequently produced by manufacturers like Sheffield, Reed & Barton, or Oneida.
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Estimated Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Basic Information
Category
Antique/Vintage Tableware
Appraised On
March 19, 2026
Estimated Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Item Description
A classic vintage butter dish consisting of three parts: a silver-plated base, a removable glass liner, and a matching silver-plated rectangular domed lid. The base features an ornate, gadrooned border with acanthus leaf or shell-like motifs, showcasing a high level of decorative craftsmanship typical of mid-20th-century hollowware. The glass insert is pressed clear glass with a sunburst or 'starburst' pattern on the bottom and vertical ribbing along the interior walls to prevent the butter from sticking. The lid is topped with a decorative finial shaped like a pinecone or acorn, which serves as a handle. Regarding condition, the silver plating exhibits significant tarnish and oxidation, presenting as dark, patchy areas across both the lid and the rim of the base. There is evidence of 'bleeding' where the base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) is beginning to show through the silver layer due to over-polishing or wear over time. The glass liner appears to be intact without major chips, though some surface grime is visible. Based on the style and construction, this piece likely dates from the 1940s to the 1960s and was a common staple in formal dining sets. No maker's mark is visible in the photograph, but such pieces were frequently produced by manufacturers like Sheffield, Reed & Barton, or Oneida.
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