1875 Victorian Silver-Plated Boater Hat Butter Dish By J. Hirons & H.H. Plante

A Masterpiece of Victorian Novelty Silver
Presenting an exceptionally rare and highly collectible Victorian silver-plated butter dish and cover, magnificently cast in the form of a classic straw boater hat. 
This remarkable piece of trompe l'oeil (fool the eye) tableware perfectly captures the whimsical yet highly skilled silversmithing of the late 19th century, with intricate texturing designed to simulate woven straw right down to the hatband and bow.

History & Maker
This piece is fully hallmarked on the underside, providing a fantastic, documented history:
Maker: Stamped with the shield maker's mark "JH over HHP over RB", identifying it as the work of Joseph Hirons & Henry Hodson Plante & Co, operating out of Birmingham, England.
Design Registration: Features a clear British Patent Office diamond registration mark (System 2). The codes (Class I, S year code, E month code, 1st day, 4th parcel) definitively date the official registration of this design to May 1, 1875.

Material & Construction
Like the finest Victorian electroplate of its era, this piece is entirely non-magnetic. It features a layer of pure silver plated over a high-quality, non-magnetic base metal—most likely Nickel Silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) or Britannia Metal, which allowed for the incredibly sharp, detailed casting of the straw texture.

Auction Pedigree & Rarity
Examples of this specific design are highly sought after by collectors of Victorian novelty silver. A pair of these exact same boater hat dishes from the esteemed Collection of Giorgio Marsan and Umberta Nasi realized £6,000 (GBP) at Christie's London in December 2007. Owning one is a rare opportunity to acquire a documented, museum-quality example of Victorian dining history. Please see link below. 
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5025386

Item Details:
Style: Victorian Novelty / Trompe L'oeil
Material: Silver-plate over non-magnetic base metal (likely EPNS)
Measurements:

• Width: 20.5 cm (8 inches)
• Height: 7.2 cm (2.83 inches)
• Weight : 667 grams (1.47 lbs) 
• Design Date: 1875

Condition:
Antique condition commensurate with age and use. The simulated straw casting remains remarkably crisp and detailed. (Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description, and feel free to message with any questions regarding specific wear, patina, or plating condition.)
Add a touch of Victorian whimsy and incredible English craftsmanship to your collection or dining table!