Featured Identify beautiful sugar bowl

Hi Friends, I recently acquired this piece at an estate sale. I am trying to identify the age and style. I know a bit about silver but I'm not an expert. I have spent a good deal of time researching this piece. The background follows. I believe this to be a sugar bowl or possibly a waste bowl. It has three pieces: cover, bowl and matching tray. It is not marked other than a rudimentary makers mark of DDV. I have researched this mark and have not been able to identify it. I believe that it does not have a sterling or silver plate stamp because it was made prior to the late 19th century when stamps were required by the US. Also, the workmanship is incredible and nothing like I have ever seen. I place it early to mid 1800 but as I've said, I'm no expert.

I've tested the metal content, multiple times using both silver solution and 14k gold solution. I also filed at an inconspicuous spot to make sure that if it was plate, I tested through it. The majority of testing showed that the piece was at least sterling silver. It also looks like silver and has a different color tarnish. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

 

I should also add that I sold this on Ebay as sterling silver but the customer sent it back stating that it was heavy silver plate although he did not test it.

 

It looks like a koro (incense burner) and cover with underplate, Japanese or Chinese. I'm leaning more toward it being Chinese. It is very beautiful and I believe the person that returned it was foolish!

It is exactly the type of thing I covet!

 

Tell me more!!! I thought the design was a bit unusual and was having a difficult time with identification and dating. Any Thoughts on time period? Did they usually work in sterling silver?

 

It is beautiful, Kathleen. It could be Chinese Export Silver, and as you thought probably a sugar bowl, if the size is right.
If it is solid silver CES, the fineness could be anything between .850 and .999.

Another option could be Thai, but I am leaning towards Chinese Export.

Probably a bit later.
@Asian Fever , do you think this is Chinese Export Silver, and do you recognize the mark?

 

The only marks were DDV on both the bottom of the bowl and plate. Of course that makes me suspicious about Chinese.

 

Also I forgot to post the size. It is 6" in diameter and 5 " tall

 

It does? There are quite a few Chinese Export Silver makers who signed with Latin initials.

 

Is it possible these marks are not "D's" but D shaped impressions containing another image? A better photograph may help!

 

They look that way to me as well, blooey.

 

I'm taking more pics..Should have them out later today

 

I've taken closeups of the marks on the bowl and plate

 

The last one, is that a mark? It looks like a rivet of sorts, like something is attached on the other side.

 

I examined in under 3x loupe. Very clear that it is DDV although the mark is different as it is in a triangle

 

Where on this piece did you do a silver test? The liquid used for testing silver leaves a damaged spot.

 

Agree, and so does filing.

 

Scraping the piece on a touchstone eliminates that problem!

 

Exactly. That is what the dear Lord gave us touchstones for.

 

I did try several times with a touchstone but was having a difficult time getting readings, possibly need a different stone. But you are right, it did leave marks on the bottom and I could just kick myself. I know better but was just impatient. It won't happen again.