Arts and Crafts Style Hammered Sterling Silver Scalloped Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Dish) · Unknown provincial or studio silversmith; characteristic of the Arts & Crafts movement such as those by Liberty & Co. or Guild of Handicraft, though absent clear marks it remains attribution-based.
Pattern: Hand-Hammered Scalloped pattern; non-commercial studio production or early 20th-century artisan collection.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Dish)
Maker
Unknown provincial or studio silversmith; characteristic of the Arts & Crafts movement such as those by Liberty & Co. or Guild of Handicraft, though absent clear marks it remains attribution-based.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Silver based on tarnish patterns. Small chance of silver plate over Nickel, but the irregular surface planishing suggests solid metal work.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) in diameter. Approximate weight 150-250 grams based on typical gauge for this form.
Description
An evocative example of the Arts and Crafts aesthetic, this small bowl features a planished surface that celebrates the silversmith's hammer marks. The scalloped rim provides a rhythmic, organic border that softens the industrial look of the silver. Its low profile and wide mouth make it a versatile addition to a collection of period hollowware.
Key Features
Visible hammer marks (planishing), hand-formed scalloped fluting, and a thick, irregular rim indicative of manually wrought silver.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Silver based on tarnish patterns. Small chance of silver plate over Nickel, but the irregular surface planishing suggests solid metal work.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered (planished) surface with a scalloped or fluted rim. The finish shows heavy oxidation and a soft, non-mirror patina characteristic of the Arts & Crafts aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible in the top or side views. Typically located on the underside center. Presence of a '925' or 'Sterling' mark would confirm material purity.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and planished. The piece was Likely beaten from a flat circular silver sheet over a stake. The scalloped edges are formed by hand-turning or crimping the metal.
Functional Features
Multi-purpose decorative bowl; suitable for nuts, candies, or as a finger bowl. Shallow depth with stable base.
Handle & Grip Details
None; simple rim-based design without auxiliary handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality manual planishing. The spacing of the scalloped rim shows good symmetry despite being hand-formed. The weight appears substantial, indicating a high silver gauge.
Authentication Indicators
The irregularity of the hammer marks suggests genuine hand-crafting rather than machine-stamping. Authentication requires a view of the base for hallmarks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely British or American manufacture. The style is synonymous with workshops in the UK (Chipping Campden) or US (Boston/Chicago) during the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Arts and Crafts Movement (c. 1880-1920). This period rejected machine-industrialism in favor of visible hand-work and simple, honest forms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1925 based on the planishing technique and fluted rim design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward 'Functional Art' where everyday household objects were elevated to artisanal status during a period of rapid industrialization.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface tarnish and oxidation (sulfide deposits). Evident scratches and wear consistent with age. No major dents or structural cracks visible.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD. Value is heavily dependent on identifying a specific maker's mark (e.g., Kalo or Liberty could double this price).
Care & Maintenance
Gentle hand-cleaning with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing which can strip the 'intentional' patina from the recessed hammer marks. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Kalo Shop hammered bowls, Georg Jensen 'Grape' bowls (more ornate), or Liberty & Co. 'Cymric' line silver.
Interesting Facts
The 'hammered' look was a deliberate political and social statement during the Arts & Crafts period, intended to prove that the item was made by a human hand rather than a machine.