posted 12-01-2003 05:38 AM              

My question is simple: I have rather assumed that the piece originally had a glass liner for the dish...much like one sees blue glass liners for salt or condiment dishes. Of course I may be wrong. I would like to know :

1. What kind of liner or dish it had: possibly glass or ceramic? Could it have been silver also?
   
2. If it is possible to find an old original one of whatever was inside of this: I would much rather have it look authentic. What would I look for?
   
3. Whether it would have had a lid or cover, and if so, whether it would have been made of silver or glass, and also if this is the case, how I would go about finding an appropriate cover?
   
4. If the old and authentic liners are not available, is there a place where I could buy a reproduction liner (only as a last resort)? And also:
   
5. Do antique dealers who specialize in silver or online auctions offer the old liners appropriate to my dish?

I must apologize for so many questions at once, but I hope that someone out there may be knowedgeable and willing to share so that I may get this lovely item back to orignal condition.

I plan to register for this site, but thought I would post this first & see what kind of response it draws..as I am quite curious about the item. Thanks!!

posted 12-01-2003 11:30 PM            

A lot of the old frames had hand or mold blown glass liners, made to fit each individual piece.
While silver liners were rare, occasionaly copper or brass liners were used..

Finding old liners happens. What are the dimensions of your piece? Would the liner have to be rectangular, square or oval to fit?

Let us know.

Thanks.

posted 12-02-2003 12:26 AM            

The 19th century pieces of this type used for serving hot food I have handled originally came with a graniteware insert. Usually the graniteware is in a blue or grey shade. Pyrex was not invented until late in the Victorian era, I think, and may even be 20th century. So, for actual cooking and baking this was the preferred type. Could you post a picture of it? Frequently, there are graniteware items from current production that will fit.

There is also a form called a brides basket holder/ frame/ stand. This was meant for an ornamental glass or ceramic bowl. The bowls for some strange reason seem to exist in greater quantity than the stands they fit into.