American Sterling Silver Paul Revere Style Nut or Salt Bowl
Hollowware (Nut Bowl, Salt Cellar, or Small Bon-Bon Dish) · Likely a major 20th-century American manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Wallace. These makers specialized in Colonial Revival forms with high-quality sterling standards.
Pattern: Paul Revere / Colonial Revival; this is a generic historical silhouette inspired by the 1768 'Sons of Liberty' bowl.
Type
Hollowware (Nut Bowl, Salt Cellar, or Small Bon-Bon Dish)
Maker
Likely a major 20th-century American manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Wallace. These makers specialized in Colonial Revival forms with high-quality sterling standards.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It appears to be solid sterling rather than silver plate based on the luster and rim construction.
Dimensions
Estimated 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 1.5 to 2 inches in height. Estimated weight: 60 to 100 grams (approx. 2-3 troy oz).
Description
A classic American sterling silver bowl featuring the iconic Paul Revere silhouette. Its proportions are defined by a flared rim and a slightly tapered body resting on a narrow circular foot. Known for its 'honest' and clean lines, this piece represents the height of mid-century formal dining etiquette where small individual nut bowls were common at place settings.
Key Features
Tapered Revere-style walls, stepped circular base, high mirror finish, and a lack of ornate decoration which emphasizes the purity of the silver's form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). It appears to be solid sterling rather than silver plate based on the luster and rim construction.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish with a plain, unadorned surface typical of the Neoclassical/Federal revival style. No engraving or monograms are visible in the bowl interior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the underside would include 'STERLING', a model number, and a manufacturer's pictorial mark (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G or Reed & Barton's eagle-R-lion).
Construction Details
Machine-spun from a circular sheet of sterling silver, evidenced by the perfectly concentric interior. The foot is likely soldered separately.
Functional Features
Open, deep-welled bowl design for easy access to small food items or condiments. Rounded rim for durability and comfort during handling.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; this is a handle-less bowl form designed to be picked up by the body or base.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While machine-aided (spun), the finishing and soldering of the base require skilled hand-burnishing to achieve the seamless mirror effect.
Authentication Indicators
The color of the metal indicates high-content silver; the way the light reflects in concentric rings suggests authentic spun construction rather than a cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Massachusetts or Rhode Island, the hubs of American silver manufacturing during the 20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Colonial Revival (c. 1940-1970). This style was extremely popular in post-WWII American homes as a symbol of heritage.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The lack of heavy tarnish and the specific 'spun' look suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American 'Colonial Revival' movement which sought to reconnect with Revolutionary-era aesthetics through domestic tableware.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Minor surface 'stacking' scratches and light micro-swirls from previous polishing. No major dents or thinning of the rim is visible from the top down.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 USD, depending on the specific maker and current spot price of silver.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft sponge. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation from sulfur in the air.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' bowls (often heavier), Gorham 'Puritan' line (flatter rims), or pewter versions by Kirk Stieff (non-precious alternative).
Interesting Facts
The original Paul Revere bowl was commissioned by 15 members of the Sons of Liberty; these smaller domestic versions became the most popular wedding gift in America during the 1950s.