Pattern No. 4932½ | Circa 1886–1887
A beautifully detailed late Victorian silverplated covered server by the Meriden Britannia Company, documented in the firm’s 1886–87 catalog as No. 4932½. Meriden Britannia Company produced high-quality, Victorian-era serving pieces. These items are known for detailed metalwork and are highly collectible antique pieces.
Although originally listed under butter dishes, this elegant form—with its deep bowl, domed lid, and handle ~ functions equally well as a biscuit barrel or confection server, a versatility typical of refined Victorian tableware. This would be lovely at a tea service with small confections tucked inside.
The body is chased with period aesthetic-style decoration, complemented by a floral finial and ornate handle mounts. The proportions are particularly graceful, giving the piece strong visual presence without heaviness.
Details:
Condition:
Great antique condition with light, even wear consistent with age and history. The silverplate remains bright and presentable, with light loss to the plating on the handle and the lid, pleas zoom in on the photos to view detail. The lid, finial, and handle are intact and function as intended. No glass liner is present (these were originally fitted), but the piece displays well and is fully usable as-is.
Catalog-documented Meriden forms are increasingly sought after, particularly when the pattern number and design can be directly tied to period sources. This example represents a classic late 19th-century American silverplate form with both decorative appeal and practical versatility.
Source shown in last two photos ~ Page 45 of the original Meriden Britannia Silverplate Treasury ~ The Complete Catalog dated 1886-1887