Finnish 813 Silver Commemorative Beaker / Trophy Cup
Hollowware - Trophy Cup/Beaker · Unknown Finnish Silversmith; identifiable by hallmarks on the base (not visible in image). Likely a regional workshop in Helsinki or Turku specializing in competition prizes.
Pattern: Traditional Nordic Bead-and-Bar Beaker; communal competition trophy.
Type
Hollowware - Trophy Cup/Beaker
Maker
Unknown Finnish Silversmith; identifiable by hallmarks on the base (not visible in image). Likely a regional workshop in Helsinki or Turku specializing in competition prizes.
Material
813 Silver (.813 purity, the standard in Finland until the mid-20th century). It is a solid silver alloy, non-plated.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-12 cm in height; weight estimated at 80-120 grams. Standard 'palkinto' (prize) beaker size.
Description
A historic Finnish silver prize beaker featuring a prominent bead-and-bar decorative frieze. The body serves as a record of competition, intricately hand-engraved with names such as 'A. Lehtonen' and 'Fr. Laakso' alongside dates and 'pist.' (pisteitä/points), indicating it was a trophy for a shooting or sports club where the winner's name was added annually.
Key Features
Extensive 'living' provenance through multi-year engraving list; specific Finnish '813' silver standard; traditional beaded rim decoration.
Material & Composition
813 Silver (.813 purity, the standard in Finland until the mid-20th century). It is a solid silver alloy, non-plated.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finished surface with heavy hand-engraving. Features a chased and repoussé bead-and-barrel decorative band near the flared rim. The body is covered in chronological script engraving.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely includes the Finnish national mark (crown in heart), a city mark, '813H' purity mark, a maker's initials, and a date letter (e.g., 'A7' for 1930).
Construction Details
Raised from a flat silver sheet, then spun on a lathe for symmetry. The decorative band is either applied or chased from the interior (repoussé).
Functional Features
Single-walled drinking vessel designed for commemorative display or communal toasts. Flared lip for ease of drinking.
Handle & Grip Details
Stemless and handleless; ergonomic tapered body designed for a palm grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of skilled hand-engraving (not machine-etched); the bead border shows slight hand-tooled variations characteristic of manual chasing.
Authentication Indicators
The linguistic style of the engraving ('pist.', Finnish names), the specific 813-style finish, and the wear patterns on the rim are consistent with 1920s Finnish silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Finland. Finnish silver of this era is known for high-quality hand engraving and adherence to the .813 fineness standard.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Interwar Period (c. 1920-1940); reflects Northern European transition from Neoclassical to Functionalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1923–1930. The earliest engraving dates shown are 1923, 1924, and 1925.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Finnish tradition of 'Palkinto-hopea' (prize silver), which was a prestigious way for rural and urban clubs to honor athletic or marksman achievement during the early years of Finnish independence.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Shows moderate surface oxidation (tarnish) and micro-scratching. No major dents or structural breaches visible. Engraving remains legible. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 USD. Value is driven by silver weight and the historical appeal of the specific names/dates engraved.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dips which can strip the 'antique' look of the hand-engraved letters. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Swedish Beakers (830 silver, higher purity); Russian Kovsh (different form); standard 925 sterling trophies (often machine-engraved and more modern).
Interesting Facts
The names recorded (e.g., Erkki Mäkelä) and the point totals suggest this was likely a traveling trophy for a Finnish Civil Guard (Suojeluskunta) shooting competition, very common in the 1920s.