Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Champagne Coupe or Tazza with Figural Grape Motif Stem
Hollowware/Stemware (Champagne Coupe, Tazza, or Nut Dish) · Unknown manufacturer, likely an American or European producer such as Leonard Silver, Godinger, or F.B. Rogers. These mass-produced decorative silver-plated items were popular in mid-to-late 20th-century department stores.
Pattern: Unidentified floral/grape vine pattern. Generic grape patterns were widely produced by various silver companies throughout the 1950s-1980s and do not typically belong to a specific named aesthetic collection.
Type
Hollowware/Stemware (Champagne Coupe, Tazza, or Nut Dish)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely an American or European producer such as Leonard Silver, Godinger, or F.B. Rogers. These mass-produced decorative silver-plated items were popular in mid-to-late 20th-century department stores.
Material
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass, copper, or white metal/spelter). The visible lack of deep tarnish and the specific luster suggest Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or a similar silver-plating process over a non-precious metal core.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 6-7 inches; bowl diameter: 4-5 inches. Weight is likely significant for its size due to the dense base metal, approximately 250-400 grams per piece.
Description
This silver-plated champagne coupe features a strikingly elegant juxtaposition between a minimalist, polished shallow bowl and a highly detailed, rustic stem. The central pillar is adorned with a dense grape and vine motif, resting upon a simple domed pedestal base. Perfect for a vintage bar cart, these pieces evoke the glamour of mid-century cocktail parties.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the heavily textured figural grape stem, which serves as a decorative focal point. The 'coupe' style bowl, though less common today than the flute, is a signature hallmark of vintage festive glassware and silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass, copper, or white metal/spelter). The visible lack of deep tarnish and the specific luster suggest Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or a similar silver-plating process over a non-precious metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the bowl and base with an oxidized/antiqued finish on the decorative stem. The stem features cast repoussé-style grape clusters and vine motifs. The contrast between the smooth bowl and the textured stem is a classic decorative choice for silver-plated barware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image does not show the underside, but typical marks would include terms like 'Silverplate,' 'EPNS,' 'Japan,' or a generic crown/shield logo without the 'Sterling' or '925' designation. Lack of standard assay marks indicates it is likely plated.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction involving a spun metal bowl and base joined to a cast metal stem. The parts are likely connected by a threaded steel rod running through the center or soldered at the joints. This is a standard commercial assembly process.
Functional Features
Wide shallow bowl suitable for serving champagne, shrimp cocktail, nuts, or small sweets. The flared pedestal base provides stability, while the textured stem offers a secure grip.
Handle & Grip Details
The stem serves as the grip, featuring a high-relief cast vine pattern consisting of intertwined leaves and grape bunches, designed to hide fingerprints and provide a non-slip surface compared to the polished bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade craftsmanship. The bowl shows evidence of machine spinning (uniform thickness), and the stem is a stock-patterned casting. The assembly is functional and sturdy rather than artisanal.
Authentication Indicators
The absence of a 'Sterling' stamp, combined with the visible joint between the bowl and stem, strongly indicates silver plate. The cast details on the stem lack the crispness of hand-chased sterling, typical of molded plated items.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United States, Japan, or Italy. During the mid-20th century, high volumes of silver-plated decorative wares were produced in these regions for the global export market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Era (circa 1950-1970). The coupe shape followed by the ornate grape-leaf stem reflects a post-war revival of traditional motifs applied to modern entertaining items.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980. The style, assembly method, and surface condition are consistent with vintage holiday or cocktail serveware from this 20-year window.
Cultural Significance
These items represent the democratization of luxury in the mid-20th century, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class households to emulate the formal dining traditions of the aristocracy at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. There is light surface scratching consistent with age and cleaning. No visible 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver), though light tarnish is present in the crevices of the textured stem. The base appears stable.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 per piece. Value is primarily decorative/vintage appeal rather than metal content. Sets of 4 or more command a higher per-item price in the vintage collectible market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and dry immediately. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's for polishing. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the antiquing from the textured stem. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Similar items include the 'Old Maryland Engraved' by Kirk Stieff or generic 'Grape' patterns by Sheridan or Leonard. These differ from sterling versions primarily in weight, hallmark absence, and the thickness of the metal edges.
Interesting Facts
The grape motif is one of the oldest themes in silver design, representing Bacchus/Dionysus, the god of wine. Champagne coupes were famously rumored to be modeled after the breast of Marie Antoinette, though they actually originated in England in the 1600s.