Gerhard & Co. Silver Plated Footed Bowl or Dish
Hollowware (Bowl) · Gerhard & Co., a historical maker known for producing decorative hollowware and silver-plated metalware.
Pattern: Unspecified decorative pattern with scalloped or footed features, standard production line.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl)
Maker
Gerhard & Co., a historical maker known for producing decorative hollowware and silver-plated metalware.
Material
Silver Plated base metal, indicated by the nature of the brand marks and visible wear patterns typical of electroplate over a base metal like white metal or nickel silver.
Dimensions
Small to medium hollowware dish or bowl form, approximately 4 to 6 inches in diameter, weight estimated under standard hollowware specifications.
Description
A charming and functional silver-plated footed bowl or small dish by Gerhard & Co. The underside clearly displays the maker's distinctive arched stamp beneath a starburst, accompanied by the design number 1651 and size fraction 2 1/2. The interior and exterior surfaces show moderate surface scratching from use and age, characteristic of well-loved vintage tableware.
Key Features
Distinctive arched Gerhard & Co. maker's mark with starburst motif, pattern number 1651, and clear size designation.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated base metal, indicated by the nature of the brand marks and visible wear patterns typical of electroplate over a base metal like white metal or nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with reflective surfaces, featuring raised structural feet and smooth curved contours.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker mark reading 'GERHARD & CO' arranged in an arched banner below a starburst symbol, with pattern or mold number '1651' and size or capacity mark '2 1/2'.
Construction Details
Machine manufactured, likely spun body with applied or cast feet joined by soldering.
Functional Features
Footed base for elevated display and service use, serving as a decorative table accent or small container.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; integrated circular form designed for desktop or tabletop display.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing quality with stamped lettering, clear numerical cataloging, and soldered foot mounts typical of mid-tier European metalwork.
Authentication Indicators
Clear stamped maker's nomenclature, serial/pattern numbers, and size indicators impressed directly into the base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely European origin (such as Germany or surrounding regions given the company name), produced using industrial metalworking traditions.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century or late 19th to early 20th century based on maker mark style and typography.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1950, inferred from standard manufacturing stamp styles and font execution.
Cultural Significance
Represents the widespread accessibility of decorative silver-plated table goods during the industrial production era for middle-class households.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good vintage condition. Numerous surface scratches and scuffs across the polished silver-plated underside, with minor tarnish spots and typical signs of age-related handling wear. Structurally sound.
Value Estimate
Modest collector value, typically ranging between $15 to $50 depending on decorative appeal and local market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a specialized silver-plated cleaner or mild soapy water using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scouring pads to preserve the remaining plating.
Similar Pieces
Various European silver-plated small bowls, bonbon dishes, and ashtrays from makers such as WMF or similar mid-century metalware manufacturers.
Interesting Facts
Makers like Gerhard & Co. frequently utilized numerical codes such as 1651 to designate specific hollowware tooling molds in factory catalogs.