{HISTORY}

So stylish for serving humble tree seeds, this square silver plate nut dish was made by Meriden Silver Plate Co, in Meriden, Connecticut sometime between 1898-1938. 

Originally, this dish would have come in a set complete with tongs and matching miniature dishes for individual use. What's especially fun about this pretty piece are its feet and its rounded bottom - an unusual dimension that fit the shape of unshelled nuts perfectly. 

Still a gorgeous way to display seasonal nuts, here in the Vintage Kitchen we also love this dish as a plant holder or flower vase for all sorts of eye-catching centerpiece arrangements and still-life compositions. 

Meriden Silver Plate Co, first founded in 1869 manufactured all sorts of artistic silver serving pieces for both domestic and hotel use. Like Victorian dishware of the era, when it came to early 1900s silver plate, there was practically a specific vessel or serving piece for every dining situation. From traditional tea trays to pickle holders, napkin rings to cigar boxes, mirrors to cake baskets, condiment caddies to toothpick holders, a variety of silver plate shapes, sizes, and designs were up to each and every task when it came to beautifying every aspect of home and table. 

Many of Meriden's designs included intricate patterns involving flowers, birds, or geometric shapes, turning them into exquisite works of art as well as practical serving pieces.  This nut dish, while not as artistically detailed as most of Meriden's other pieces, contains interesting details that give it a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic.  Along with its curved belly, there are stylish out-turned feet, a shell-like design on each handle, and gusset-style flourishes at each corner.

Classic and accommodating, this nut dish holds all sorts of appeal when it comes to year-round serving and display. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Unique shape
• Stamped on bottom with maker's mark 

{CONDITION}

In beautiful antique condition, this nut dish contains no broken parts or signs of previous repair. As you can see from the photos, this dish has not been polished. Here in the Vintage Kitchen we always prefer the unique color variations in authentically tarnished pieces, but if you'd like to see this one return to its shiny state, a little polish would make it shimmer once again. 

{SIZE}

Measures 7.25" inches (length hand to handle)  x 5.5"inches (width) x 3.75" inches (height) and weighs 1.3 lbs.