Accession Number

2019.009

Description

Circular, hammered sterling silver bonbon dish. Three handles spaced evenly around the dish, near the top. Handles are loops with an additional piece of silver protruding above and below each loop. Hallmarked on the side for James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, 1926-27

Narrative

The provenance, design, and quality of this bon bon dish combined with its value in telling the Dunsmuir story present the strongest reasons for including this object in the Society’s Primary Collection.

History of Use

This bon bon dish was used by Mrs. James Dunsmuir (nee Laura Miller Surles) at Hatley Park until her death in 1937. It was later purchased by physician Dr. Herbert H. Murphy when he attended the Dunsmuir Executor’s auction conducted by Maynard & Sons Auctioneers at Hatley Park between June 2nd and 6th, 1939.

Dr. Murphy was a neighbour and friend of the donor’s parents. While a boy, the donor regularly played billiards with Dr. Murphy, and the two became friends. Dr. Murphy gave the donor the dish and told him where and how he had acquired it.

Examination of the Hatley Park auction catalogue (see: 984.064.002 - https://collection.thecastle.ca/Detail/objects/3202) reveals that the dish could have been sold from the Dining Room on Thursday June 1 as lot #6 or lot #31, or from the Library on Saturday, June 3 as lot #411.

Date

1926 – 1927

Dimensions

6.2 cm
outside diameter (including handle) 13 cm

Material

Metal, silver, sterling

Technique

Hammered

Country of Origin

England