This is a turn-of-the-19th-century sterling silver decorative bowl, designed and crafted by silversmith Odiot, Paris. The piece was crafted in France circa 1880. The rounded shape, resting on a floral pedestal, features an "HD" monogram engraved on the side. The piece boasts lovely, raised, detailed handles with acanthus leaf decor. The same acanthus leaves also adorn the rim of the bowl. The inside is vermeil (sterling silver covered with 18 karat gold). The piece is signed on the underside Odiot - Paris with company legal hallmarks and Minerva legal stamp for French sterling silver.
 
Note: Maison Odiot was founded in 1690, during the reign of Louis XIV, by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, a skilled silversmith.
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gave Jean-Baptiste Claude, grandson of Jean-Baptiste Gaspard, many prestigious commissions for himself and his family, such as the sacred scepter, the royal sword, and the cradle of the King of Rome. Immense dinner services were ordered by Pauline Borghèse, Napoleon's mother, and by the Emperor himself.
Jean-Baptiste Claude was influenced by the return of the classical Greek and Egyptian motifs, as expressed in the Directoire and Empire styles. Court commissions helped further the reputation of Maison Odiot, and the firm provided vermeil services to courts across Europe.
Charles Nicolas Odiot, who excelled in the rocaille style, succeeded his father and became the purveyor by appointment to His Majesty King Louis-Philippe and the Royal Family of Orleans. His son Gustave later took over. Gustave received the House of Odiot's ever-consequent order of three thousand pieces of solid gold flatware for Saïd Pacha, the Viceroy of Egypt. He later became the purveyor by appointment to His Imperial Majesty the Tsar of Russia. Gustave was also the last member of the Odiot family to preside over the company.
Odiot has been recognized as a unique silversmith thanks to the preservation of exceptional know-how, supported by an incomparable collection of molds and drawings built up over the centuries, based on its prestigious orders.
Odiot's story is rich and punctuated by meetings with important figures of History. It is also a source of inspiration for the constant search for beauty.
Today, as always, each piece designed by Odiot is handcrafted with the same passion and expertise. Their workshop has a team of craftspersons specializing in silversmithing and having multiple skills, creativity, and aesthetic sense.
(credit: Wikipedia and Odiot Website).