In elegant, engraved script, this dedication stretches across the silverplate dome—a heartfelt token from C.M. Church to Cina Hall in 1888. That inscribed moment freezes an intimate connection, adding enchanting personal history to this already striking piece.
A Regal Design Born of the Derby Silver Company
Although the listing references Reed & Barton, the hallmark with model number 2306 belongs to the Derby Silver Company—a 19th-century American manufacturer. The Gothic-revival handle, ornate finial, and elaborate repoussé panels featuring lush ferns and exotic blooms exemplify the late-Victorian aesthetic, echoing the grand elegance of the era.
Drama on the Table
At 11.5 inches tall and 7 inches across, this is not just a butter dish but a majestic centerpiece. It dominates the dining table with presence and personality—an heirloom suitable for reenactment banquets or luxe everyday displays.
Stories in Every Dent and Twist
A slightly bent arm that once held a butter knife whispers a tale of use and love. The untouched antique patina invites you to polish or preserve—your choice. Either way, its history and intrigue shine through.
From Use to Museum-Worthy
Silverplate dome dishes from the 1880s are rare today—most were utilitarian, few survived in such elaborate form. This piece, designed for butter, soars into artistry with its curved handle rising like a miniature Gothic archway. Even the geometric floral border on the base adds architectural elegance.
Why It’s a Treasure
Unique dedication in a crisp, period font, immortalizing a moment in time
Gothic revival architecture in miniature—bold, ornate, atmospheric
Functional theater: a simple butter dish reimagined as decorative drama
Structural integrity preserved—with that lovely warping only adding character
Ways to Celebrate It
Display as a conversation-starting showpiece
Serve butter or small treats at themed gatherings
Photograph for social media or Etsy listings—it practically poses itself
Gift to lovers of Victorian, Gothic, or historic tabletop artistry
In Poetic Perspective
This butter dome isn’t just silver—it’s a cathedral of quieter moments: the pulse of a waltz in a parlor, the hush of a gaze, and a gesture from one soul to another, enshrined in metal.