Stieff Rose Pattern Sterling Silver Nut or Bon-Bon Bowl
Hollowware (Nut Bowl/Bon-Bon Dish) · The Stieff Company, Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1892, Stieff was famous for its 'Baltimore Rose' repoussé style and was a primary competitor to Kirk and Son.
Pattern: Rose Pattern (also known as Baltimore Rose). Formally introduced in 1892, this was the flagship pattern of the company and remains a pinnacle of American repoussé design.
Type
Hollowware (Nut Bowl/Bon-Bon Dish)
Maker
The Stieff Company, Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1892, Stieff was famous for its 'Baltimore Rose' repoussé style and was a primary competitor to Kirk and Son.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 to 6 inches in diameter and 1.5 to 2 inches high. Estimated weight between 100 to 180 grams (3.2 to 5.8 troy oz) depending on the specific gauge used for the model.
Description
This exquisite sterling silver nut bowl showcases the legendary Stieff Rose pattern, a hallmark of Baltimore's silversmithing heritage. The interior features a mirrored, polished center that transitions into a densely decorated wall of hand-chased roses and leaves. The play of light on the textured surfaces creates a shimmering effect, making it a masterpiece of tactile and visual design.
Key Features
Deeply embossed 'all-over' floral pattern, stippled background between floral elements, and a smooth, unadorned center. The weight is typically heavier than contemporary machine-stamped alternatives.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver throughout, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing. The design features a continuous floral band of roses and foliage against a stippled (hand-chased) background. The style is Victorian-influenced American Repoussé.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the underside include 'STIEFF', 'STERLING', '925/1000', and often a crown-and-shield logo. Older pieces sometimes feature a date letter or specific numerical model numbers.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and hand-chased. The bowl would be spun or raised from a flat sheet, then the floral pattern would be hammered from the inside (repoussé) and refined from the outside (chasing).
Functional Features
Deep, rounded basin designed to hold small nuts, candies, or mints. The wide rim allows for a full display of the ornate floral decoration.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a simple bowl form. The grip is provided by the textured repoussé rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior hand-chasing evidence is visible in the varied depths of the flower petals. The lack of visible 'flat spots' in the floral band indicates a skilled craftsman performed the final finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic 'crisp' hand-chased detail in the centers of the roses. Machine-stamped imitations lack the depth and the irregularities found in Stieff's hand-finished work. The weight-to-size ratio is high for sterling pieces of this size.
Origin & Manufacturing
Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Baltimore is the worldwide epicenter for this specific style of heavy floral repoussé work.
Era & Period
Originally late Victorian, this piece is likely from the early-to-mid 20th century. The 'Baltimore Rose' style harkens back to the mid-19th century but remained popular through the 1950s.
Age Estimate
Likely circa 1920-1950. The clarity of the chasing and the consistent finish suggest a mid-production era piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of American Gilded Age dining luxury, where even small serving items like nut bowls were expected to be highly decorative and made of solid precious metal.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. There is minor surface tarnish in the crevices of the repoussé, which is common and often preferred to highlight detail. Scratches consist of typical 'faint hair-lines' in the polished center bowl. No visible dents or splits.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on exact weight and current silver spot price. Pieces with no monograms and pristine chasing command the higher end of the range.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) but avoid over-polishing the high points of the roses to prevent 'bleeding' of details over decades. A soft baby toothbrush can be used to clean the deep crevices of the chasing.
Similar Pieces
S. Kirk & Son 'Repoussé' pattern (very similar but with slightly different floral arrangements) and Schofield 'Baltimore Rose'.
Interesting Facts
The Stieff Company grew so successful with this pattern that they eventually acquired their larger rival, S. Kirk & Son, in 1979, becoming Kirk Stieff.