Mid 20th Century English Silver-Plated Roll Top Caviar / Butter Dish With Glass Liner

A classic English roll-top serving dish with a beautifully revolving chased dome lid. This versatile piece is traditionally used for serving butter or caviar, featuring an ornate floral engraving and an elegant tripod base with Empire style ball-and-claw feet. Known as a "roll-top" dish, the lid gracefully glides open to reveal a removable glass liner. Striking piece for cocktail hours or special occasions.

Whether used to serve chilled butter, gourmet caviar, or even artisanal jams, its classic tripod legs with ball-and-claw feet provide a sophisticated silhouette that captures the light and the attention of your guests.

• 5.5ʺW × 5.5ʺD × 4.5ʺH
• Marked 'Made in England' on underside
• Great condition, minor tarnish. Glass is also intact, no chips.

History & Provenance

The "revolving" or "roll-top" server is a quintessential piece of Victorian and Edwardian dining etiquette. Originally designed in England during the mid-to-late 19th century, these ingenious vessels were created to solve a practical problem: keeping condensation from chilled butter or ice-cold caviar off the linen tablecloth while protecting the contents from dust.

The mechanical dome lid—often referred to as a "swivel" or "revolving" top—was considered a height of table-side luxury. By the early 20th century, English makers began producing these in high-quality silver plate for both the domestic market and export, ensuring that the elegance of the "Grand Hotel" dining style could be enjoyed in private homes. This specific piece, marked "Made in England," carries on that tradition of British craftsmanship, featuring the classic chased floral motifs and ball-and-claw feet typical of the era's revival styles.