Maker's Mark or Martian?

[mgignilliat]

Hi - I am new here and I hope that I am following the rules properly. I have looked at every maker's mark on this site with no success... I have two of these small covered dishes. They look like covered casseroles, but they are only 4 inches x 2.5 inches (10 cm x 6.5 cm) like a ramekin with a cover. It must be from America because the mark is alone. It doesn't say that it is silver, so I am assuming it is silver plate. The copper is starting to show from excessive polishing which further indicates - to me - that it is silver plate. I don't know how to describe the mark! A martian? With a hat and banners?

Help! To whom does this mark belong? And, for what are these items used? And, what are they called? Thanks for your help. MG Chicago, Illinois

[dognose]

HI MG,

Welcome to the Forum.

Your mark image is upside down. The maker was E.G. Webster & Son, see: http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_W2.html they used a variety of marks. Click on the mark image to enlarge it.

Not sure what the use of the pieces were for, but I'm sure someone will know.

Trev.

[mgignilliat]

Thank you! No wonder I couldn't find it. It was part of a larger mark.

So it's upside down...what is it???

The look like mini-vegetable servers. Perhaps they were for food that was served in small quantities bc of cost or weirdness or fear of it contaminating other foods. On a popular auction website, it says they are individual butter dishes. I don't think so. Now that I know the manufacturer, I can do more thorough research.

Thanks for your help!

Any other thoughts would be appreciated. MG

[DianaGaleM]

My guess would be butter dishes. If you do a web image search on those keywords, you should turn up some similar ones.

[mgignilliat]

I think you are correct.

I was thinking it could also be for a delicacy or side dish that would be tainted if mixed with another food. Escargot or something. Who knows. I am going to go with butter. My stomach runs away from me often times! Thanks for your input. MG