Dating to the late Victorian, early Edwardian era, this sardine box or dish was once the height of table ware during the soup course at dinner.

Sardines were canned in the middle of the 19th century to preserve them, but you wouldn't want them in a can on the dinner table.  They were a popular delicacy during the soup course.  Sardine boxes or dishes then became popular during this period.

This one is in excellent condition for its age, with only a small amount of age related rubbing to the gilt edges.   We believe it is made from ironstone with a tin glaze.  It is decorated in relief on both the base and the lid with what looks like seaweed fronds.  There are three sardines decorated with gilt on the lid,one of which forms the handle.  To the base is a gilt letter B, and inside the lid is "18" also in gilt lettering.

It measures a total of 10 cm in height to the top of the lid.  The base measures 18 cm x 20 cm and stands about 6.75 cm high.  The depth of the dish is 4.75 cm.

Please use the photographs as part of the description and to judge the condition for yourself. 

We are happy to ship worldwide using the Ebay Global Shipping Programme.  Standard postage within the UK is free of charge. 

Thank you for looking, and please feel free to get in touch with any questions.