What's this silver plate piece for?

[rustyattic]

I'm thinking maybe jelly?  Any idea the maker?  The bottom must have faded, the mark looks pretty weird.

[mart]

That's a nice one !! Are you sure its plate ?? I think its jam or jelly too !!  Honey and honey comb is another possibility !! 

[Jedo_03]

Unsure what size this is...
But reminiscent of a Soup Tureen...
Same overall shape...
Google " image antique silver soup tureen"

[mart]

This one doesn`t look large enough for soup !! And normally a tureen has two handles !! If you tried to pass a container of hot soup with one handle,, might need to change the tablecloth !!

[KC]

What is the size of it?  Heighth, width?

Is there a marking on the underside of the piece for the name of the maker?

[rustyattic]

It's 4in wide and 3in tall.  The last pic shows the bottom, not really much of a mark.  What about caviar bowl?

[KC]

Caviar servers would have a glass liner inside of them. When caviar comes into contact with silver or metal, it will tarnish the silver and develop an undesirable taste.

It could be for jam/jelly and in most instances it would have had a glass liner inside of it because of the acid turning the silver as well (and resulting with pitting over time - that is why you usually see jam/jelly servers having a glass body and silver top.  Also, the same story with mustard.  They also had dishes for horseradish or other sauces.

So all of the above can apply when a dish/liner is in it (can you see any wear marks from something have been inside or difference in silver color?

It could be a sweetmeat server (notice the handle is in a position to make it a presentor piece - not on the side).  Sweetmeats (confections, buttermints) were presented as special treats way back when sugar was more scarce and less affordable.  It could also be for sugar.

[mart]

I thought maybe honey or honey comb too !! It has a spoon slot so could be any of these !!  probably had a liner at some time !!  They are often missing !!

[rustyattic]

Here's the inside and another pic of the bottom. 

[mart]

Mark looks like a giant bug !!

[KC]

Have you tested it for sterling or silver plate?

I REALLY LIKE THE PIECE!!!  Looks like a piece used by a server/waiter/servant/hostess to present to guests.

Any history on it?

[KC]

Okay, the more I look at this the more I believe it could be a Master Salt!  Here are a few examples

[mart]

Could be !! Never thought about salt,, seemed a little big for that !!

[KC]

A Master Salt was a rather large dish that held the vast amount - then salt would be dished out to the individual salt cellars at each place setting.  This was a symbol of status.

[mart]

KC,,, Just noticed that the middle pic you posted is almost identical if not identical to his !!  Or is it the one Rustyattic posted ?? Never mind that last question !!  Top is very similar but foot is different !!