Vintage International Silver Condiment Dish (possibly)

[maa1247]

I have what looks like a condiment dish - There are 2 glass glasses with fruit embossed on them; one have a lid with a place for a spoon - the other glass has no lid.  On the bottom it is marked 578 International Silver Co., Silver Soldered 05018 and then a 49.  I feel certain this is silver plate.  Any information you can give me on this piece would be greatly appreciated.  I have searched for this item to no avail.  Thank you

[mart]

May be jelly and jam set !!  One lid may be missing !!  Cant see the mark well !!  Most  likely silver plate !!

[KC]

You have a Berry Set!  Berry sets were very popular from early times to the early 1900's.  The sets would also come with containers for cream and sugar!  More often you would see the sets in porcelain china - but "finer dining" would have silver serving pieces.


Typically you would see Strawberry sets...and then there are grape stands.  However a grape set
would have a place to "hang" the grape clusters from and/or to hang a pair of grape scissors. (I say this because your glass is etched with grapes.) I cannot see the front of this set handle but don't believe it looks to have a hook.  Here is what a grape stand looks like (Skinner):


Here is a similar one to yours (larger) - but do not mistake that the International Silver piece is a very high quality piece like this one from Austria.  Yours is still a nice piece and not found very often.

[mart]

Ahhh Yes !!  Forgot they had special sets for everything !!  I just through them in a bowl after washing !!

[maa1247]

Thank you all for the comments.  The jars do have grapes on them - they are both the same size, however, when placing the jars in the stand one is taller than the other.  There is only 1 lid with a place to put a spoon, but the one without the lid doesn't show any signs of a lid ever being there.  The one without the lid the glass sits taller because the opening to the stand is smaller than the one with a lid.  Thanks again.
Mickie

[ghopper1924]

Good one KC. A point for you!

[KC]

maa1247  The creamers didn't have lids on them and the sugar would. 

There are many people out there that collect novel pieces like this (me included - my hubby will attest we have wayyyyy toooooo much stuff!)  Can you please give me the dimensions of the platter/serving piece and then each individual creamer and sugar?

Thanks ghopper1924!  If it is serving ware, silver ware, etc...I most likely know what it is.  AND if I don't....I will search until I know.  I love this kind of stuff.  This and French items!  Don't know why....

[maa1247]

This item weighs 2 lbs.  The tray measures about 6 3/4" long x 6 1/2" wide - it then tapers down to about 3".  Each glass measures 2 1/2" tall by 2 3/4" in diameter at the opening - the bottom of the glass is 1".  The opening of the holder (for the glasses) measures 2" for the holder that has the lid; and 1 3/4" for the holder without the lid. The base is about 2" from the feet to the tray.  Let me know if I can give you any other info.  Thanks again

[maa1247]

Found this on e-bay - it is similar to the piece that I have.  This item's description says:  Elkington & Company Silver Plate Condiment Server Antique Vintage Canadian Pacific RR Hotel
Back stamp code "S" on lower back side dates it to 1929...the year the hotel opened
Number on bottom is 33938
Does NOT have the glass bottles anymore
Examine all photos closely for condition issues
Picture is attached

[KC]

maa1247, this piece really isn't like yours. Yours is definitely a berry server. It is designed to sit on the table and be served from there. 

The piece you are showing is made to be held by a server/waiter/servant/butler and "present" to the guest/diner.  Note the handle design is made to grasp with four fingers underneath and the thumb goes on top - so an individual can firmly hold/grasp it well and present it to the delighted diner. The top part does look like a cruet/condiment piece but the bowl attached to this and the presentation handle make this a unique piece.  Without the 3 vessels it is really hard to determine the original purpose (creamer, pepperette, salt, vinegar, olive oil, mustard pot, sugar caster, etc.)

[maa1247]

Thank you KC