Heavily Tarnished Mid-Century Sterling Silver Plate or Shallow Bowl Base
Hollowware (Plate/Shallow Bowl Base) · Unidentified pending cleaning, likely American (Gorham, International, or Towle) based on form
Pattern: Understated Plain or Puritan-style form, characteristic of Mid-Century Modern designs
Type
Hollowware (Plate/Shallow Bowl Base)
Maker
Unidentified pending cleaning, likely American (Gorham, International, or Towle) based on form
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate; heavily oxidized surface
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter; weight likely between 250-400 grams if sterling
Description
A circular silver dish characterized by an extreme level of tarnish, appearing almost bronze or chocolate in color. The piece features a wide, slightly sloped rim and a deep central depression with a precision-drilled hole, marking it as a component of a larger assembly.
Key Features
Deep oxidation patina; central mounting hole; lacks ornate engraving common in earlier Victorian pieces
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate; heavily oxidized surface
Finish & Decoration
Plain surface currently obscured by extreme oxidation/tarnish; evidence of light hammered or planished texture visible underneath
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are currently obscured by heavy tarnish; would typically be found on the reverse side base
Construction Details
Spun or die-struck construction with a raised central well and a drilled center hole suggesting a previous attachment
Functional Features
Central aperture indicates this may have been part of a tiered server (tazza) or a weighted candlestick base
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; rim is a simple rolled or finished edge
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial silver production; smooth curves indicate spinning on a lathe and machine polishing
Authentication Indicators
Weight and the specific purple-black hue of the tarnish are characteristic of silver sulfide on genuine silver or thick silver plate
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom; mass-manufactured with machine finishing
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960) with influences of the Arts & Crafts and Modernism movements
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 based on the profile and central mounting hole
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward functional, minimalist hollowware that favored form over elaborate decoration
Condition Notes
Poor condition due to heavy sulfide deposits (tarnish); surface appears pitted or uneven; possible structural loss at the rim
Value Estimate
$100 - $200 if solid sterling (melt value); minimal value if silver plate due to condition
Care & Maintenance
Needs an electrolyte bath or chemical dip (Hagerty's) to remove heavy oxidation, followed by hand polishing with silver cream
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' plates or Revere-style bowls; differs by the inclusion of the central mounting hole
Interesting Facts
The deep tarnish, often called 'cabinet skin' by collectors, indicates the piece was stored in a high-sulfur environment for decades