A rare variant Charles Ashbee for the Guild of Handicraft silver butter dish

Price range: Sold

For sale is this classic, but in fact unusual, Guild of Handicraft silver butter dish. It is an early example hallmarked with Ashbee’s CRA mark for 1900.  The design unusually includes silver beading around the rim and the stone setting.  The silver plinth bridging the wire work handles is cut away from the bowl.  Please see images. See A465 for a similar example sold previously.

This is an early piece from the Guild’s time in Essex House, London.   The stone appears to be a rather lovely soft green and lively chrysoberyl (but may be a chrysoprase). The condition is excellent, there is no glass liner.

This piece has direct provenance to the Briggs family, more information can be found here.

Maker:  Guild of Handicraft
Designer: Charles Ashbee
Date : 1900
Marks: CRA, London, date letter “e”
Material: Sterling silver
Condition: Excellent
Size: 19.0 cm wide max 11.25 cm diameter bowl
Weight : 5.8 oz, 165 grams