Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Pierced Dish by William Comyns, London 1888

A refined antique Victorian sterling silver pierced bowl, crafted by the renowned London silversmith William Comyns and fully hallmarked for London 1888. With its elegant oval form, substantial weight and richly detailed openwork decoration, this is an impressive example of late 19th-century English silver craftsmanship.

The bowl features an intricate pierced design of scrolling foliage, floral motifs and ribbon-tied bows, arranged with the balanced symmetry characteristic of fine Victorian decorative silver. The broad openwork border creates a light and graceful appearance while retaining the substantial quality expected from a solid sterling silver centrepiece. Its generous proportions make it suitable for display as a decorative table bowl, fruit dish or statement piece within a collection of antique British silver.

Details

Item: Antique pierced silver bowl
Maker: William Comyns
Origin: London, England
Date: 1888
Period: Victorian
Material: Sterling silver
Hallmarks: Fully hallmarked for London 1888, including the leopard’s head, lion passant, date letter “N” and maker’s mark “WC”
Decoration: Pierced scrollwork with floral motifs and ribbon-tied bows
Dimensions: Approx. 28.5 cm x 22 cm x 3 cm deep
Weight: Approx. 313.5 grams
Condition: Excellent antique condition

Historical and Collector Context

William Comyns was one of the most respected London silversmiths of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Established in the 19th century, the firm became particularly well known for finely crafted decorative silver, including pierced and embossed tableware, vanity pieces and presentation items. The elaborate openwork decoration of this bowl reflects the firm’s strength in producing sophisticated ornamental silver for the late Victorian market.

Fully hallmarked London silver by William Comyns remains desirable among collectors, particularly when the maker’s craftsmanship is combined with a substantial weight, a practical display size and an ornate but balanced decorative design. Dating to 1888, this bowl is an elegant example of Victorian sterling silver that can be appreciated both as a functional table piece and as a collectible work of English silver craftsmanship.

Please review the photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.