In the 18th and 19th centuries, and early into the 20th century elaborate serving pieces were used in the dinning rooms of wealthy households. Food would be brought from the kitchens by the staff and placed on buffet servers at the side of the room, a butler or footman would then serve the food from the serving pieces. These pieces would come in all manner of materials and styles including silver, silver plated and porcelain.
 
This is a large silver plated serving bowl with scalloped edged decoration and two carrying handles. Large enough to serve all manner of hot or cold food, or simply to be used as fruit bowl on a side table. This would have been in a proffesional persons house or a hotel.
 
The silver plate shows no ware, there are very fine tiny scraches in places, but its overall apearance is very good.
 
Dimensions: length 34cm x 21cm deep x 15cm high