posted 04-26-2009 06:32 PM            

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a new piece that I just acquired last week that I thought you all might like. I must admit that I don't know a ton about the piece, but I will tell you what I can.

Anyone who can fill in the blanks is welcome to do so!!

This is an early warming dish/tureen from the early part of the 19th century made by the Creswick manufactory in Sheffield, England.

I am inclined to date this piece between 1811 (when Creswick's shop was supposedly founded) and the 1820's because of the solid silver panel inserts in the lid on both sides. This practice, which my understanding was for engraving purposes, was discontinued in the 1820's, so this is what I am basing my assumption upon.

The piece measures 14" long by 10" wide by 9.5" high.

It breaks down into 4 separate pieces: The base with an insert for some sort of heating fuel, the dish that sits inside the base and holds the heated water, the entree dish that nests inside the dish containing the water, and the lid.

All in all, the entire piece weighs a hefty 13 pounds!

Each of the pieces is marked with the following marks:

Also, the lid and entree dish is marked with a "3", but the base and water dish is marked with a "1" and a "4", respectively. I thought I had heard somewhere that these numbers may indicate that this was part of a set of pieces of the same type, like there was four of them at some point and they have been separated over the years. Don't quote me though!!

posted 04-27-2009 05:28 PM            

So that what I wanted to say as reaction to the proud owner.

I don't know if the search function at the forum can also give you information (Creswick) but if I remember well I think there are one or more topics about Creswick, I will check that also from my side.

I have only find some marks at several sites but you already told some information about your beautiful dish.
I think many reactions will follow so I keep watching this topic.

Succes and enjoy your beautiful silver master piece.

posted 04-28-2009 04:02 PM            

I was aware that Sheffield Plate was still being produced, but did not know the sterling cartouches were still in use today. That was news to me. What I had meant, and did a poor job of writing it out in my original post, was that Creswick had apparently stopped the use of the silver insets in the 1820's, so that was what I was referring (rather badly I'm afraid) to. I believe that they also switched production to electroplate at some point in the 1840's.

I also didn't know that it would have been considered a breakfast dish. I wrongly assumed that it would have been a dinner item. I appreciate that information as well!

The one thing I keep looking at, however, is the handle on this piece. Maybe it is just me, but upon closer inspection, one notices that the border of the dish has a shell and scroll detail, the paw feet have a scroll/shell-like design, but the handle departs from this theme and incorporates leaves and berries (I think!) which seems not in keeping with the rest of the other design elements. Am I looking for a problem, or does anyone else notice this as well?

posted 04-28-2009 05:32 PM            

I have seen some others, but more common and not so beautiful designed. It's full of decoration, I just like the piece very much.

Considering the numbers I don't know where they stand( are marked at which place?) but perhaps when they are easy to read I wonder if it can be a indication for serving number, knowing which food it had for serving in the right sequence (order of succession?).

I'm using a dictionary so I can make failures, but I hope it is to recognize what I try to say. What I also find unique is the lion claws resting at the balls. Without the balls it should also be nice (personal thought). I will try to find a look like, like yours but I think it is hard to find. I like this kind of ornamental decorations and specially the grasp or grip. Good clear photo's you have send! I read your reaction over (twice) to understand it totally and perhaps when I have found a look like for instance at internet I let you know! Or in the few books of silver I have.

posted 04-28-2009 07:30 PM            

Bascall, you are right. I rather crudely referred to it as an "insert". I need to get the terminology down if I intend to contribute here!

By the way, your comment made me go take a closer look at the spirit burner, and although I knew it was missing the lid portion of it, I never bothered to look at the bottom of it. I found some other maker's marks, the likes of which I am unfamiliar with. See the pics:

The burner measures exactly 2.75" in diameter and fits with no "wiggle room" into the round holder set into the bottom of the main dish.

posted 04-29-2009 07:32 AM            

The precise fitting arrangement for the lid would give me comfort that the handle is probably original.