Antique Cork Serving Dish by George Hodder

Object Description

A rare provincial Irish silver dish and detachable cover of unusual shallow design. At first sight this looks to be a bacon or hash dish however it is more likely to be a cheese toaster. Very simple and charming. The plain form is embellished by a gadroon border and small side handles. To the top there is a hand engraved crest of a boars head over a French motto. 524 grams, 16.8 troy ounces. Spread 29 cms. Length 22.5 cms. Width 14.5 cms. Both pieces are stamped “sterling” with the distinctive scrolled border used by George Hodder 1745-1770. The top also bears Hodder’s maker’s mark (double struck).

Biography – George Hodder, Irish silversmith, was first mentioned 1738. He died 1771 in Cork.

Signed – The engraved motto in old French reads “ne vante ne foiblesse” and appears to be associated with a French family called Goddes de Varennes.

Object Literature

Originally the cheese toaster was designed to stand in front of the fireplace where, using the detachable lid as a reflector, the heat would be directed down onto the cheese placed in the pan.

Object Condition

This unusual Irish silver dish is in very good condition with no damage or restoration. Lovely patina.

Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details