H. Steiner Silver Co. Art Deco Sterling Silver Ice Bucket
Hollowware (Ice Bucket) · H. Steiner Silver Co., New York. Established in the early 20th century, Steiner was a specialized manufacturer known for producing high-quality sterling silver hollowware during the American Art Deco period.
Pattern: Geometric Art Deco Pattern #914. This is a catalog-referenced design featuring the streamlined, architectural aesthetics of the 1930s.
Type
Hollowware (Ice Bucket)
Maker
H. Steiner Silver Co., New York. Established in the early 20th century, Steiner was a specialized manufacturer known for producing high-quality sterling silver hollowware during the American Art Deco period.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, typical of New York boutique silversmiths of this era.
Dimensions
Typically 7-9 inches in height and 6-8 inches in diameter. Weight generally ranges between 600 to 900 grams (19-29 troy ounces) depending on the gauge of silver used.
Description
A striking example of American Art Deco hollowware, this H. Steiner ice bucket embodies the glamour of the 1930s cocktail culture. Its proportions are balanced and architectural, reflecting the skyscrapers of the New York skyline. The use of high-purity sterling silver provides a lustrous, cold sheen that complements the function of the piece.
Key Features
Distinctive cursive 'H. Steiner' hallmark, pattern number 914, stepped base or rim, and heavy-gauge sterling silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout, typical of New York boutique silversmiths of this era.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with engine-turned or chased geometric bands. The style is classic Art Deco, characterized by clean lines, step-down motifs, and a lack of ornate Victorian floras.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside features the cursive maker's mark 'H. Steiner Silver Co.' stamped into the metal, along with the pattern or model number '914'. It may also include a 'Sterling' stamp elsewhere on the base.
Construction Details
Spun and raised construction with machine-stamped decorative elements. The base is often stepped and hand-soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Often includes a removable glass or silver-plated liner (to protect against salt/ice corrosion), integrated swing handles or fixed side lugs, and a wide mouth for ice tongs.
Handle & Grip Details
Features solid sterling silver handles, frequently in a 'C' or 'U' shape with angular Deco joints. Handles are securely soldered to the body.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The soldering is seamless, and the gauge of the silver is substantial enough to feel 'weighted' without being filled with pitch or cement.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is consistent with known Steiner stamps. The crispness of the '914' suggests original die-stamping rather than later casting. Wear patterns are appropriately concentrated on the base contact points.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, specifically New York City. NYC was the hub for high-end American silver production during the Jazz Age.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940). Defined by the transition from organic Art Nouveau curves to industrial, machine-age geometric symmetry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1935. The font of the maker's mark and the bold '914' numbering are consistent with mid-Depression era production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Cocktail Era' of the 1920s and 30s, where silver service items became symbols of sophisticated domestic entertaining and a rejection of Prohibition-era austerity.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The image shows light surface scratches and minor pitting consistent with age. Look for 'flea bites' near the rim from ice tongs and check for significant dents which can lower value.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD. Value is driven by the significant silver weight and the high desirability of Art Deco aesthetic in the current market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a specialized non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to items by Revere Silversmiths or early Tiffany & Co. Art Deco designs. Steiner pieces are often heavier than mass-produced International Silver plated counterparts.
Interesting Facts
H. Steiner pieces were often sold in high-end department stores and jewelry boutiques in Manhattan, catering to a clientele that favored modernism over traditional European styles.
Notes
Art deco ice bucket