Sweetmeat bowls came into being in the mid-18th century. They were distinguished by the oval shape of the bowl, often faceted – either simply or in a manner reminiscent of a ribbed shell with the edges curling partly upwards. The coat of arms which decorates the bowl has not been identified; the Order of the White Eagle which appears beneath it would seem to indicate the glassware was made for a person who was awarded the order in the 1750s.