Mid-Century Modern Silver Plated Wine Goblet
Hollowware (Stemware/Goblet) · Likely a mass-market manufacturer such as International Silver, Towle, or Reed & Barton; often produced for the hospitality industry or home entertaining sets.
Pattern: Generic Mid-Century Modern Minimalist; lacks a specific trademarked ornate pattern name, focusing on sleek silhouette typical of 1950s-1970s design.
Type
Hollowware (Stemware/Goblet)
Maker
Likely a mass-market manufacturer such as International Silver, Towle, or Reed & Barton; often produced for the hospitality industry or home entertaining sets.
Material
Silver Plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass); identified by the iridescent blue-black tarnish patterns and surface wear typical of Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS).
Dimensions
Approximately 6-7 inches in height with a 3-inch diameter bowl; weight likely between 150-250 grams depending on base metal density.
Description
A classic examples of mid-to-late 20th-century silver-plated stemware. This goblet features a deep, rounded bowl that transitions into a thin, elegant stem and a flat, circular base. While currently obscured by heavy tarnish that gives it a dark, iridescent sheen, the underlying form is purely functional and modern, reflecting the shift away from ornate silver towards maintenance-heavy but affordable luxury for the middle-class dining room.
Key Features
Minimalist 'U' shaped bowl; slender tapered stem; lack of decorative banding; heavy atmospheric tarnish indicating long-term storage.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass); identified by the iridescent blue-black tarnish patterns and surface wear typical of Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS).
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish originally, currently exhibiting heavy oxidation and 'rainbow' tarnish; minimalist undecorated surface without engraving or chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Silverplate', 'EPNS', or 'IS' (International Silver) on the underside of the base; no visible sterling lion passant or .925 marks indicative of solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-spun bowl and base; the stem is likely cast and attached to the bowl and foot via silver solder or a threaded rod system.
Functional Features
U-shaped bowl for wine service; tapered stem to prevent heat transfer from the hand; flared circular foot for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Slender, tapered integral metal stem; smooth surface designed for a standard 'pinch' grip between fingers.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; consistent symmetry provided by mechanized spinning and casting; lack of hand-hammering or artisan chasing marks.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' stamp; tarnish colors (blue/purple) typical of thin silver plate; machine-finished seams; visible wear on the foot rim typical of plated items.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Japan; mass-produced in industrial factories rather than artisan workshops.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970); characterized by the 'Atomic Age' sleekness and absence of Victorian-era ornamentation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980 based on the stem silhouette and the type of industrial electroplating used.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'democratization' of silver in the post-war era, where silver plate allowed middle-class households to mimic the formal dining traditions of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair; exhibits heavy sulfide tarnish and potential 'pitting' from contact with acidic liquids. No major dents visible, but the plating may be thin at the rim.
Value Estimate
Market value is low, typically $5 - $15 USD per piece in this condition; primarily valued as a 'project' piece or for theatrical props.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's; avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating; store in acid-free tissue or Pacific Silvercloth to prevent re-tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Cavalier' line or Wallace Silverplate goblets; similar in form but may differ in stem thickness or bowl curvature.
Interesting Facts
During the 1960s, silver-plated goblets like these were popular wedding registry items, though they fell out of favor as consumers moved toward dishwasher-safe glassware.