The sardine box or sardine dish was a popular item during the Victorian period. The piece is usually made of porcelain and was often times highly decorated. They were also made of silverplate or pottery. It was common for the sardine box to have a finial that was in the form of a fish. Before refrigerators were a commonplace item in the home, canned sardines were served at the table in this attractive serving piece. Some pieces had a hole in the bottom of the box for pushing the can out to remove it.
Antique sardine boxes have become very collectible in the last few years. You can find them ranging in price from around $50 up to in excess of $1, 000. There are also newer, reproduction sardine boxes available on-line...so beware.
Lidded Sardine Box manufactured by Victoria Austria, c. 1904-1918. (Inquire for availability. Sale priced at $205.95. Free shipping in the Continental US.)
Lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteDoris