A rare discovery this spring at the silver markets of England, it was especially thrilling to secure this lovely Antique Silverplate Lidded Serving Tureen. We adore its classic oval loving cup silhouette and the gracious finial handle on its gleaming lid. With elegant reed detail articulated prominently on the lavish side handles and a beaded edge encircling the top rim, this statuesque silver masterpiece makes a stunning impression wherever it is displayed.

Certain to take center stage on your table or display handsomely on your buffet, this classic serving vessel is sure to make a magnificent impression, whether employed traditionally for a soup course, holding a hearty stew or main course or elegantly displaying a bounty of seasonal shellfish. The large cavity is ideal for holding a deep bed of crushed ice and the gorgeous lid assists with keeping contents fresh and cold until the final reveal at serving time.

Crafted in the mid-Victorian era by fine silversmiths at Martin Hall & Co's Shrewsbury Works, Sheffield England, during this period the firm boasted additional showrooms in London, Sydney, Birmingham and Glasgow. Highly influential and a great source of pride for Britain during the growing prominence of England's fine silver, Martin Hall & Co.'s outstanding craftsmanship was exhibited at Queen Victoria's Great Exhibition in 1851, along with 1862's International Exhibition, the Sydney Exhibition of 1879, the Melbourne Exhibition in 1881 and 1915's British Industries Fair.

As versatile as it is beautiful, this graceful tureen, with its fine engraving and garland motif, stands upon a graceful pedestal elevating any contents to high stature. Stamped on the underside with Martin Hall & Co.'s mid 19th-century mark, six circular medallions were added to the perimeter. With a regal crest executed on one side and antique bespoke initials on the reverse, four medallions still await the monograms of subsequent generations. A crowning addition to any home or serving collection, this versatile tureen would also make a stunning bowl for serving fruit, punch, or displaying a grand centerpiece. Lovely in nature and memorable in any setting, it promises to become an oft-employed addition to any collection.

Learn more about Soup Tureens

Originally used for soup, tureens such as this shining vessel originated from a simple, communal serving bowl first used by the French in the late 17th century. Redefined by Louis XIV into to a more refined stature during his reign, tureens developed into one of the most richly ornamented centerpieces of the dining table.

It was also during this period that the original custom of dressing a table with every conceivable dish simultaneously was replaced with the new practice of separate courses. Each entered from the kitchen with an air of ceremony that we still recognize today. Soup remained the first course of most meals, from the king's table to the peasant's, and the impressive, decorative soup tureen provided the opening ceremony which set the tone for the entire meal.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Circa 1860. In very good original antique condition with signs on wear on the interior bottom from ladle usage shown in the alternate images. 14"H x 17.5" handle to handle.