{HISTORY}

Back in the late 1800s, if you were setting a proper Victorian table you would not forget the bone dishes. Generally placed above the soup spoon which sat above the dinner plate, the sole function of the bone dish was to hold the discarded bones from your meal. Pretty dishware for a not-very-pretty element of eating, nowadays bone dishes are not part of regular meal settings but they still hold a variety of possibility when it comes to serving. 

These four were made by Anchor Pottery in Trenton New Jersey between 1898 and the early 1900s. They belong to the Paris Elite pattern and feature brown floral transferware and fan-shaped designs around the rims. Elegant and very reflective, thanks to their shiny glaze they are an eye-catching detail of table settings long ago that still remain quite handy today  - just for entirely different purposes. 

Our favorite way to utilize these crescent-shaped dishes is for little nibbles set about the table or the cocktail tray or the countertop as you entertain guests and keep them satisfyingly nourished while awaiting a proper meal.  Lovely for olives, nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, chocolates, cheese cubes... anything small and petite that can be toothpicked or easily shared... these dishes are especially helpful at holiday time. Not only are they pretty for the season with their deep chocolate brown and beige color palette but they are also handy in size and shape as they can easily squeeze in between a lot of dishes, glassware or table settings without taking up much room. 

They are also ideal for butter, condiments and garnishes passed around the table during mealtime. On the off-season, when you aren't entertaining, other creative purposes for this bunch include use as soap dishes, jewelry holders, and pantry organizers for small odds and ends. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Matching set of four

- Gorgeous pattern and authentically aged patina

- Each piece is stamped on back with the maker's mark and pattern information

{CONDITION}

These are in gorgeous antique condition with tons of character, authentic age and  lovely crazing. One dish has a small age-old chip on the rim that measures 1/2" inch in diameter. And one dish has a small age-old hairline crack on one end that measures 1' inch in length. Both of these flaws are very hard to see given the fact that they totally blend in with the colors of the dishes (please see photos). Neither affects the use of these dishes in any way. 

{SIZE}

Each bone dish measures 6.5" inches (length) x 3.25" inches (width) x 1" inch (height) and weighs 7 oz.