Ercuis French Silver-Plated Hollowware Vessel or Cup
Hollowware (Cup or Small Container Base) · Ercuis, a prestigious French silver manufacturer founded in 1867 by Adrien Célestin Paillet in the village of Ercuis, France. Known for luxury tableware, hotelware, and high-end silver plating.
Pattern: Standard Ercuis production line, identified by the serial number stamp rather than a specific decorative pattern name.
Type
Hollowware (Cup or Small Container Base)
Maker
Ercuis, a prestigious French silver manufacturer founded in 1867 by Adrien Célestin Paillet in the village of Ercuis, France. Known for luxury tableware, hotelware, and high-end silver plating.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (EPNS or heavy silver plating over a white metal alloy like brass, bronze, or nickel silver), typical of fine French hotelware and hollowware.
Dimensions
Estimated small-scale hollowware base, roughly 5 to 7 cm in diameter based on typical small Ercuis cups or vessels; weight is undetermined from the image alone.
Description
An authentic base view of a silver-plated hollowware vessel or cup produced by the renowned French silversmiths Ercuis. The underside clearly exhibits the maker's name, production numbers, and French-style guarantee or maker stamps, showing characteristic surface wear from gentle historical use.
Key Features
Crisp 'ERCUIS' maker stamp, distinct serial number '82909', and diamond-shaped numerical hallmark characteristic of mid-century French silver plate production.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (EPNS or heavy silver plating over a white metal alloy like brass, bronze, or nickel silver), typical of fine French hotelware and hollowware.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on the exterior sides with a plain, utilitarian circular base showing directional polishing and scuff marks from use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the 'ERCUIS' maker stamp in block capitals, the serial/pattern number '82909', a square maker's hallmark containing a symbol/initials, and a diamond-shaped lozenge hallmark enclosing the number '8' (often denoting a specific quality mark, plating thickness, or size designation used by French manufacturers).
Construction Details
Machine-formed hollowware body, likely spun or deep-drawn from base metal sheeting, followed by professional electroplating and hand-finishing.
Functional Features
Flat circular base designed to sit stably on dining tables, trays, or bar surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles visible on this base component; minimalist tubular or vessel form.
Craftsmanship Details
High industrial craftsmanship standard typical of French silver manufacturers, featuring cleanly struck hallmarks and a well-finished, even base perimeter.
Authentication Indicators
The layout of the stamps—specifically the 'ERCUIS' typography, the sequential numbering format, and the diamond shape—matches authentic mid-to-late 20th-century Ercuis factory markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France (specifically associated with the factory in Ercuis and Paris distribution), adhering to high French standards for silver-plated tableware.
Era & Period
Mid to late 20th Century, consistent with standard Ercuis manufacturing and hallmark styles of the post-WWII decades.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980, based on the typography of the 'ERCUIS' stamp and numerical serial stamping style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of French mid-century dining elegance and the enduring legacy of French silver-plating craftsmanship.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The base shows moderate surface scratches, directional scuffing from polishing or shelf wear, and natural tarnish accumulation around the edges, but no structural denting or base warping.
Value Estimate
Moderate collector or secondary market value, typically ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the complete piece attached to this base and overall cosmetic condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle liquid silver polish or specialized silver foam designed for silver plate. Avoid abrasive scouring pads to protect the underlying plating. Store in anti-tarnish cloth bags.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated hollowware and hotelware items by French contemporaries such as Christofle and Orfèvrerie d'Ercuis.
Interesting Facts
Ercuis originally started by supplying liturgical silver to churches before expanding into luxurious tableware, eventually becoming a favorite supplier for luxury hotels, ocean liners, and embassies.