Tarnished Brass or Nickel Silver Engraved Cup
Hollowware (Cup/Mug) · Unidentified; likely a commercial exporter or local metal smith workshop. The piece lacks the refinement associated with major silver houses like Tiffany or Gorham.
Pattern: Folk Art / Floral Engraved; non-standardized pattern likely hand-etched by a local artisan rather than a regulated collection.
Type
Hollowware (Cup/Mug)
Maker
Unidentified; likely a commercial exporter or local metal smith workshop. The piece lacks the refinement associated with major silver houses like Tiffany or Gorham.
Material
Likely Yellow Brass or Nickel Silver (EPNS base). The item shows no evidence of sterling silver purity; the yellow-green oxidation and reflective color suggest a copper-alloy base like brass or tarnish on low-grade silver plate.
Dimensions
Standard small mug size, approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in height. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams depending on metal thickness.
Description
A rustic, hand-hammered metal cup featuring a simple etched floral motif. The cup has a warm, golden-brown patina from heavy oxidation, indicating a high copper or brass content rather than precious silver. The jagged handle adds a unique, folk-art flavor to the piece.
Key Features
Planished (hammered) surface texture; primitive floral line engraving; scalloped handle design; heavy oxidation (patina).
Material & Composition
Likely Yellow Brass or Nickel Silver (EPNS base). The item shows no evidence of sterling silver purity; the yellow-green oxidation and reflective color suggest a copper-alloy base like brass or tarnish on low-grade silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered surface with primitive floral engraving. The decoration includes simple line-etched leaves and flowers. The finish is heavily oxidized with visible verdigris spots.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image. Many items of this caliber from the mid-20th century are stamped 'India', 'Brass', or 'EPNS' on the bottom, which is not shown.
Construction Details
Folded and soldered sheet metal. The handle appears to be a separate cast or stamped piece soldered to the body. Visible hammering marks suggest hand-finishing or 'planishing'.
Functional Features
Single loop handle for gripping; tapered cylindrical body for containing liquids.
Handle & Grip Details
Scalloped or notched metal handle, thin profile, likely soldered to the side. The jagged decorative edges on the handle suggest a mass-produced cast or stamped component.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought elements (hammering and engraving) combined with simple soldering techniques. The work is charming but lacks the precision of high-end silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The yellowish hue and green oxidation spots are primary indicators that this is NOT solid silver (Sterling). Lack of assay hallmarks further supports a non-precious metal classification.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely South Asia (India) or Southeast Asia. This style of hand-hammered and engraved brass or nickel silverware is common to the export markets of those regions.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-to-late 20th Century. While it mimics 'antique' styles, the engraving style and handle construction are common in 1960s-1980s import goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980. The wear patterns and metal type are consistent with vintage decorative brassware often found in 'bazaars' or import shops.
Cultural Significance
Represents the global trade of artisanal metalcraft intended for Western consumer markets as decorative/souvenir hollowware.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface tarnish, verdigris (green corrosion), and water spotting. The engraving remains visible but the metal requires deep cleaning to reveal the original luster.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. This is a decorative/utilitarian object with minimal intrinsic metal value, typically sold in thrift or antique malls as 'vintage brass'.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a dedicated brass/copper polish like Brasso if the base is yellow metal. Avoid 'silver dips' as they will not be effective on this composition. Dry thoroughly to prevent further greenish verdigris.
Similar Pieces
Brass 'India' import cups; Nickel Silver plated mugs; Pewter tankards (though pewter is gray and does not turn yellow).
Interesting Facts
Items like this were widely popular in the mid-century 'bohemian' decor movement, where 'exotic' hand-crafted metalwork from India and Morocco became staple household decorative items.