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British Colonial Serving Pieces

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.

As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.

Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.

To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.

Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

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Style: British Colonial
Country Small Brass Coffee Grinder
Country Small Brass Coffee Grinder

Country Small Brass Coffee Grinder

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (20th Century) small brass small square coffee grinder with drawer.

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Round 11.5 Inches Serving Plate
John Somers Brazilian Pewter Round 11.5 Inches Serving Plate

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Round 11.5 Inches Serving Plate

By John Somers

Located in Raleigh, US

John Somers Pewter Plate – Brazilian Craftsmanship at Its Finest Celebrate the artistry of John Somers, one of the most distinguished pewter craftsmen of the 20th century. Hailing f...

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Mid-20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays
A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays

A stack of six antique wood trays with bone inlays

Located in Atlanta, GA

A fantastic set of six antique trays that fit into a stack, likely from British India turn of the 20th century. The wood is likely rosewood with attractive grains and the trays are i...

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1890s Indian Antique British Colonial Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Bone

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering
Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering

Late 20th Century John Somers Pewter Chalice With Greek Lettering

By John Somers

Located in Raleigh, US

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Chalice with Greek Lettering Dimensions: 6 inches tall, 5.75 inches wide Material: Premium Brazilian pewter, known for its durability and timeless beaut...

Category

1980s Brazilian Vintage British Colonial Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish
Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish

Late 20th Century John Somers Brazilian Pewter Curving Serving Dish

By John Somers

Located in Raleigh, US

John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish 'Tigela de Gominhos' The John Somers Brazilian Pewter Swirling, Curving Serving Dish is a stunning example of fine craftsm...

Category

Late 20th Century Brazilian British Colonial Serving Pieces

Materials

Pewter

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mm

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H 12 in W 10 in D 10 in

mm

Located in Bellport, NY

mmm

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20th Century British British Colonial Serving Pieces

British Colonial serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, pewter and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Asia, India, and South Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include and Royal Doulton. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $235 and tops out at $2,572 while the average work can sell for $468.