Haviland Limoges Bone Dish Value Guide

This Haviland Limoges bone dish is a quintessential example of Victorian dining etiquette, crafted in France between 1890 and 1910. Its unique crescent shape was specifically engineered to sit flush against a dinner plate, serving as a dedicated vessel for discarded fish or meat bones during formal service.

What affects the value of Haviland Limoges Bone Dish?

• The presence of intact gilded edges significantly impacts the $18-$20 price point, as gold leaf often wears away with use.
• Condition of the porcelain, specifically the absence of chips or 'flea bites' along the delicate curved edges.
• Clarity and vibrancy of the pink floral transferware, with unfaded pigments commanding the highest collector interest.
• Authenticity of the Limoges manufacturer marks, which distinguish Haviland pieces from lesser period imitations.

How to Identify Haviland Limoges Bone Dish?

• Look for the 'Haviland France' or 'Haviland & Co. Limoges' backstamp in green or red underglaze.
• Verify the crescent shape, which should measure approximately 6 to 7 inches in length to fit standard Victorian dinnerware.
• Inspect the pink floral patterns for the fine detail characteristic of high-quality French transferware from the turn of the century.
• Check for genuine gold leaf application along the scalloped or smooth rim, which should show age-appropriate wear.

History of Haviland Limoges Bone Dish

Bone dishes were a staple of Victorian dining etiquette, designed to hold discarded fish or meat bones. These specific crescent shapes allowed them to sit snugly against the curved edge of a dinner plate. Haviland & Co., based in Limoges, France, became the premier producer of these items for the American market in the late 19th century.