Benedict Manufacturing Co. Silverplated Hollowware Piece, Design No. 1845
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Tureen, or Pitcher foot) · Benedict Manufacturing Co. (M. S. Benedict), founded in 1894 in East Syracuse, New York. Known for silverplated tabletop items and artistic metalwork.
Pattern: Design Number 1845; likely part of a Victorian Revival or Art Nouveau influenced collection.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Tureen, or Pitcher foot)
Maker
Benedict Manufacturing Co. (M. S. Benedict), founded in 1894 in East Syracuse, New York. Known for silverplated tabletop items and artistic metalwork.
Material
Silverplate over base metal (likely white metal, copper, or brass); the piece shows signs of electroplated silver (EPNS/EPBM).
Dimensions
Estimated height of the visible component: 2-3 inches; Weight: Significant for size, suggesting a heavy base metal core.
Description
A robust silverplated hollowware component featuring the distinct B. Company shield mark. The 1845 design number indicates a specific factory pattern used for domestic dining services during the American silverplate boom at the turn of the century.
Key Features
The circular 'B. COMPANY' shield mark is a diagnostic hallmark for M.S. Benedict items produced before the mid-20th century.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over base metal (likely white metal, copper, or brass); the piece shows signs of electroplated silver (EPNS/EPBM).
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with relief-molded decorative elements; features cast scrollwork or foliate motifs characteristic of late 19th-century eclecticism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular maker's mark containing a central shield and the text 'B. COMPANY' (Benedict Co.); below it is the pattern or design number '1845' stamped in serif numerals.
Construction Details
Cast decorative element, likely part of a larger assembly joined by solder to a bowl or tray body; typical of mass-produced late-Victorian industrial methods.
Functional Features
Potentially a stabilizing foot, handle terminal, or ornamental lug for a larger serving vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal construction, integrated into the body of the piece or soldered as a separate component for weight distribution.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped marks and cast ornamentation; high-quality industrial craftsmanship typical of the Syracuse metalworking tradition.
Authentication Indicators
Mark consistency with known Benedict catalogs; numeral font matches late-19th-century American die-stamping techniques.
Origin & Manufacturing
East Syracuse, New York, USA; produced in the Benedict Manufacturing Company factory known for high-volume quality silverplate.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Gilded Age (c. 1894-1915). Characterized by ornate floral and shield motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1910 based on the maker's mark style and the '1845' pattern number sequence.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the American household, where silverplated wares allowed middle-class families to emulate the formal dining habits of the social elite.
Condition Notes
Good condition; shows significant tarnish (patina) and some surface grime/cobwebs. Possible minor wear to the plating (bleeding) near the edges of the stamp.
Value Estimate
$25 - $75 depending on the full form of the item; individual silverplated components or damaged pieces hold mostly decorative or sentimental value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water first to remove debris; use a gentle non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) for the tarnish. Avoid dipping solutions which can damage the base metal if plating is thin.
Similar Pieces
Similar work by Rochester Stamping Co. or International Silver; Benedict pieces are often sturdier and heavier than department store competitors.
Interesting Facts
The Benedict Manufacturing Co. was one of the largest employers in East Syracuse and produced a wide range of goods from hospital supplies to high-end gold-plated 'Karnak Brass' art items.