In the 18th, 19th and early in the 20th centuries, elaborate serving pieces were used in the dining 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 smart entree dish with a dragooned edge to the top and bottom, used to serve vegetables or other cooked foods for the dining table. Having two side handles, this means the lid can also be used as a serving dish as it will sit safely on the table. This would have been used in a formal dining room in a proffesional person's house.
 
The silver plate is in very good condition, and the body of dish has no dinges or splits.
 
Dimensions: length 28cm x 21cm deep x 7cm high.