Sterling Silver Fisher Silversmiths Weighted Pedestal Dish. Marked on underside. 

Condition: Dented base. 

Size: 6 x 6 x 6 1/2 in. 

#7420 . 

Fisher Silversmiths was founded by Sam Fisher, an immigrant from Russia, in Providence, Rhode Island in 1936. After Sam retired the business was continued as Fisher Silversmith & Fisher Diamonds by his sons, expanding into the loose diamond business after silver manufacturing ceased in the 1970s. Fisher Jewelers & Silversmiths, Inc. founded in 1978 by Raymond and JoAnn, Sam’s grandchildren, is still active today with headquarters in Florence, South Carolina, trading in fine jewelry and gifts.

“Weighted sterling” or “weighted silver” refers to items such as candlesticks, candy dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and trophies that have a heavy thick weighted foot or pedestal base, in order to keep them steady and not easy to topple over. Wax, plaster, copper, or lead is used in the base to give the item strength, stability, and heft. Manufacturers of weighted items are required by law to label them as such to ensure unwary buyers are not misled into believing the items are solely sterling silver, because solid sterling objects have value by weight. The National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906, along with amendments to it in 1970, enforces this in an effort to protect consumers and sellers alike.

Dented base.