Vintage Brass or Gold-Plated Small Chalice with Engraved Floral Motif
Hollowware (Goblet / Chalice / Kiddush Cup) · Unattributed / Likely Mass-Produced Export Ware. This piece lacks the fine craftsmanship of heritage brands like Tiffany or Gorham, likely originating from a regional workshop specializing in brass decorative items.
Pattern: Folk Art / Floral Bright-Cut Pattern (Generic)
Type
Hollowware (Goblet / Chalice / Kiddush Cup)
Maker
Unattributed / Likely Mass-Produced Export Ware. This piece lacks the fine craftsmanship of heritage brands like Tiffany or Gorham, likely originating from a regional workshop specializing in brass decorative items.
Material
Brass or Gold-Plated Base Metal. Based on the visible surface wear near the rim, the gold-colored coating is oxidizing to a dark green/black, which is characteristic of high-copper brass alloys. No silver content is apparent.
Dimensions
Estimated at 3-4 inches in height with a 2-inch diameter bowl. Approx weight: 80-120 grams. This appears to be a cordial-sized goblet rather than a full dinner chalice.
Description
This is a small, gold-toned chalice featuring a stylized floral or sunburst engraving. While it mimics the form of traditional silver-gilt liturgical or ceremonial vessels, the construction and material indicate it is a decorative brass object. The bowl is rounded and tapers slightly toward a flared rim, which currently shows significant oxidation. The engraving is expressive but lacks the precision of high-end silversmithing.
Key Features
Stylized circular floral engraving; gold-colored finish; visible black oxidation near the rim; lightweight spun-metal construction.
Material & Composition
Brass or Gold-Plated Base Metal. Based on the visible surface wear near the rim, the gold-colored coating is oxidizing to a dark green/black, which is characteristic of high-copper brass alloys. No silver content is apparent.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut machine engraving with a gold-tone lacquer or electroplate finish. The decoration features a stylized, circular floral spray or sunburst motif executed with quick, shallow strokes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Authentic silver items would typically bear '925', 'Sterling', or an assay mark. The absence of marks on a piece of this quality usually indicates it is a non-precious base metal.
Construction Details
Machine-spun bowl and base with a cast or turned stem. The bowl shows uniform wall thickness consistent with factory spinning. The engraving is rudimentary and lacks the depth of hand-chasing.
Functional Features
Small-capacity bowl for liquids; flared rim for drinking; stable footed base. The corrosion at the rim suggests it may no longer be food-safe if the base metal is leaching.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Stemmed vessel). The stem appears to be a standard slender column design, typical of mid-20th-century souvenir or decorative cups.
Craftsmanship Details
Basic commercial craftsmanship. The engraving is functional and repetitive, intended for the giftware market rather than as a piece of fine art or high-quality metalwork.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' or fineness marks; green/black oxidation (typical of copper/brass, silver would tarnish to a purplish-black or grey sulfide); shallow machine-cut engraving rather than hand-chased depth.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely India or East Asia. These regions produced large quantities of brass decorative hollowware for the Western giftware market during the late 20th century using these specific engraving styles.
Era & Period
Mid-to-Late 20th Century (c. 1960-1980). The simplified, graphic nature of the engraving and the quality of the plating are consistent with this era's export decorative goods.
Age Estimate
Approximately 40-60 years old. The level of tarnish and the style of the machine-cut decoration suggest a vintage mass-market origin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' aesthetics where ceremonial forms (like the chalice) were adapted into inexpensive mass-market household decor.
Condition Notes
Poor/Fair. Significant corrosion and loss of plating at the rim; numerous surface scratches; tarnish in the recessed areas of the engraving. The base metal is reacting to environmental moisture.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. This is a decorative vintage item with no bullion value and limited collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver polish, as it will likely strip the remaining thin gold-colored plating. Clean with a soft damp cloth. If used for drinking, ensure the interior is not corroded, though it is recommended for display only.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated Kiddush cups or Pewter goblets. This item is often confused with 'Vermeil' (gold over sterling), but the base metal oxidation confirms it is not a precious metal.
Interesting Facts
During the 1960s and 70s, brass 'silver-look' and 'gold-look' items became popular in home decor as affordable alternatives to expensive plated or solid silver services. Many were sold as 'tobacco jars' or 'cordial cups' in import boutiques.