Bon Bon Dish, London 1944 - Wakely & Wheeler

A very beautiful, heavy and high quality solid silver bon bon dish, 300 grams, made by the London silversmith Wakely & Wheeler whose origins go back to 1791 when John Lias began in business as a buckle maker. In the early 19th century, his son Henry Lias I joined the firm as a partner and his son Henry Lias II became a partner in 1850. In 1880 Henry II set up his own firm with James Wakely and Frank Wheeler, becoming Wakely & Wheeler in 1909.

The firm was known for refined decoration and produced many Art Nouveau designed pieces in the late 19th century. This ability to produce exquisitely chased patterns continued into the 20th century and from the Art Deco period developed pronounced medieval Gaelic inspired designs as a part of its repertoire.

This beautiful bon bon dish has a wonderful Celtic pattern of entwined dragons in a geometric forest in the 16th century manner interspersed with chased covers in the Elizabethan manner framed by dart borders.

All the decoration is hand chased and beautifully finished. The dish with clear hallmarks for London 1944 and the maker’s stamp for Wakely and Wheller.

In excellent original condition, stands true and level and has only light and natural surface abrasion which is superficial and consistent with age. No damage or repairs.