Victorian Aesthetic Meriden Butter Dish Silver Plate Circa 1870

An over-the-top Victorian Butter dish with Aesthetic Movement decoration. It is complete with the top, base, insert and even the glass tray to hold butter.

 

The body and lid of the butter dish is cylindrical. The lid has a repousse design with a floral motif and a fan-shaped finial on top. The base has two prongs for holding a butter knife, as well as two elaborate handles on both sides. The base is decorated with etched designs of swallows in flight and geometric boxes. The inner metal tray has a clover-like etched design with a hole in the center. A beveled glass insert fits above this tray snugly.

 

A stamped mark on the base reads MERIDEN COMPANY MERIDEN BRITANNIA QUADRUPLE MERIDEN CT. These marks are within double circles. One circle also has a scale design.

 

7 5/8 in (19.4 cm) wide x 5 ½ in (14.0 cm) deep x 6 ½ in (16.5 cm) tall. Weighs 2 lb 1.3 oz (945 g)

 

There are no breaks, cracks, dents or repairs. Much of the silver on the outside has been polished off. Inside still has much shine, especially the middle tray. The base rests flat on a surface with no rocking.

 

A great elaborate Victorian butter dish that can still be used today. It will add Victorian elegance to your table.