Lunt Sterling Silver Patterned Table Accessory, potentially Eloquence or Early 20th Century Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a small bowl, compote base, or tray section) · Lunt Silversmiths (Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Co.), Greenfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1902, Lunt is a premier American silversmith known for the prestigious 'Eloquence' pattern and serving as the official supplier of tableware to U.S. Embassies.
Pattern: Identified by the 'A75' inventory/model number; often corresponds to early-to-mid 20th-century decorative hollowware lines. Lunt's most famous collection is Eloquence (1952), but this mark style predates the later mass-production era.
Type
Hollowware (likely a small bowl, compote base, or tray section)
Maker
Lunt Silversmiths (Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Co.), Greenfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1902, Lunt is a premier American silversmith known for the prestigious 'Eloquence' pattern and serving as the official supplier of tableware to U.S. Embassies.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid sterling, signified by the LUNT brand stamp which, by American convention, implies sterling when not otherwise marked 'Plated'.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base 3-5 inches; weight likely ranges from 150 to 400 grams depending on the full scale of the vessel. 'A75' indicates a specific catalog size/model.
Description
This item is a piece of American Sterling silver hollowware from Lunt Silversmiths. The interior shows a deep, naturalistic tarnish that highlights the classic 'LUNT' manufacturer's mark. As a piece of 'A-series' hollowware, it represents the functional elegance of American silver design, characterized by substantial weight and clean, architectural lines.
Key Features
The primary identifier is the 'LUNT A75' stamp. The 'A' prefix in Lunt's catalog usually denotes specific hollowware categories like 'Accessories' or 'Artistic' lines.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid sterling, signified by the LUNT brand stamp which, by American convention, implies sterling when not otherwise marked 'Plated'.
Finish & Decoration
The interior surface displays a heavy matte/satin patina consistent with age and oxidation. The form appears to be a raised or spun vessel with a smooth, unadorned interior and a recessed center for the hallmark block.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A rectangular recessed block stamp featuring 'LUNT' over the alphanumeric code 'A75'. The font is serifed and block-style, typical of early 20th-century American manufacturer branding. No separate 'Sterling' stamp is visible in this crop, though it is usually located adjacent to the maker mark.
Construction Details
Likely spun silver or die-struck, given the uniform curvature and the precision of the hallmark recession. The surface texture indicates a history of chemical tarnish rather than hand-hammered planishing marks.
Functional Features
The recessed hallmark area suggests a stable, flat-bottomed vessel designed to sit flush on a table surface or atop a pedestal foot.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in current view; however, A-series Lunt hollowware often features applied cast silver handles if the item is a tray or sugar bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
The hallmark block is cleanly struck, indicating high-quality industrial tooling. The consistency of the curve suggests a master-spun piece typical of Lunt's high standards of symmetry.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is consistent with known Lunt factory stamps. The 'strike' of the mark shows appropriate depth and displacement of metal, suggesting it was stamped into a solid sterling body rather than cast.
Origin & Manufacturing
Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA. Lunt was a cornerstone of the New England silver manufacturing tradition, utilizing industrial precision combined with hand-finishing.
Era & Period
Early-to-Mid 20th Century (approx. 1920-1950). This period represents the height of American Sterling production for the middle and upper classes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950. The 'A75' nomenclature and the specific typeface of the LUNT stamp align with pre-war and immediate post-war production.
Cultural Significance
During the mid-20th century, owning a Lunt Sterling service was a primary indicator of domestic status and 'civilized' dining in American suburban culture.
Condition Notes
Grade: Fair to Good. The piece shows significant 'sulfide' tarnish (blackening) and surface scratches. There is no evidence of metal fatigue or holes, but a professional polish is required to restore its luster.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD. Value is heavily dependent on the total weight of the silver and whether it is a complete item (like a bowl) or part of a set.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft sponge. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the protective firescale or ruin intentional oxidation in patterns. Store in Pacific Silvercloth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Plymouth' hollowware or Reed & Barton 'Francis I' accessories. Lunt is often distinguished from Gorham by a slightly more restrained, 'Colonial Revival' aesthetic in their secondary lines.
Interesting Facts
Lunt was selected to produce the 'Embassy Scroll' pattern for the U.S. Department of State, making their silver a fixture in American diplomatic history.