{"product_id":"asset-pack-85757591554-example-product-3","title":"1875 Victorian Silver-Plated Boater Hat Butter Dish By J. Hirons \u0026 H.H. Plante","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Masterpiece of Victorian Novelty Silver\u003cbr\u003ePresenting an exceptionally rare and highly collectible Victorian silver-plated butter dish and cover, magnificently cast in the form of a classic straw boater hat. \u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Maker\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is fully hallmarked on the underside, providing a fantastic, documented history:\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Stamped with the shield maker's mark \"JH over HHP over RB\", identifying it as the work of Joseph Hirons \u0026amp; Henry Hodson Plante \u0026amp; Co, operating out of Birmingham, England.\u003cbr\u003eDesign 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Construction\u003cbr\u003eLike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuction Pedigree \u0026amp; Rarity\u003cbr\u003eExamples 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. \u003cbr\u003ehttps:\/\/www.christies.com\/en\/lot\/lot-5025386\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details:\u003cbr\u003eStyle: Victorian Novelty \/ Trompe L'oeil\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver-plate over non-magnetic base metal (likely EPNS)\u003cbr\u003eMeasurements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWidth: 20.5 cm (8 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 7.2 cm (2.83 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight : 667 grams (1.47 lbs) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign Date: 1875\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003eAntique 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.)\u003cbr\u003eAdd a touch of Victorian whimsy and incredible English craftsmanship to your collection or dining table!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mother's Silverware ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57814414623064,"sku":"013","price":2800.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/9202\/7224\/files\/20260819_120514.jpg?v=1787142715","url":"https:\/\/motherssilverware.com\/products\/asset-pack-85757591554-example-product-3","provider":"Mother's Silverware ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}