Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Revere-Style Bowl
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote) · Unknown American or European Silversmith; likely a major manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen given the high-finish quality and clean lines.
Pattern: Paul Revere Style (Modern Interpretation); many makers produced this silhouette after 1940, including Gorham (series 1130) and Reed & Barton.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Unknown American or European Silversmith; likely a major manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen given the high-finish quality and clean lines.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity minimum); solid metal construction based on the reflection and surface scratching patterns.
Dimensions
Estimated 6 to 9 inches in diameter; likely weighs between 300 to 600 grams depending on whether the foot is weighted or solid.
Description
A classic example of late-20th-century silver hollowware, this bowl utilizes the iconic 'Revere' silhouette, stripped of all traditional engraving to emphasize the purity of the silver material itself. The soft, deep reflection indicates a high-grade polish typical of luxury housewares.
Key Features
Simple rolled rim, convex body wall, absence of ornate borders, and a starkly architectural profile.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity minimum); solid metal construction based on the reflection and surface scratching patterns.
Finish & Decoration
Highly reflective mirror polish; minimal decoration characteristic of the International Modernism or Mid-Century aesthetic. No engraving or chasing visible in this detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in image. Typical placement would be on the center of the underside base, usually including 'Sterling', the maker's logo, and a production number.
Construction Details
Likely machine-spun on a lathe from a flat sheet of sterling silver, then hand-polished. The rolled rim suggests a high-quality die-struck or spun process.
Functional Features
Open vessel design for fruit, salad, or decorative display; rounded bottom for stable center of gravity.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Handleless bowl form.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry and uniform thickness; evidence of high-quality industrial polishing and machine finishing common in mid-century premium lines.
Authentication Indicators
The blueish-white luster is characteristic of high-purity sterling silver. Surface wear patterns show directional use consistent with hand-wiping and table use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (Providence or New York) or Scandinavia (Copenhagen), following traditional European silversmithing standards adapted for modern mechanical production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945–1970). The emphasis on form over ornament and the high-shine finish are hallmarks of post-WWII silver design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the rolled edge and the high-polish finish visible in the macro shot.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift from 'Sunday Best' ornate silver to functional, sleek objects intended for daily use in a modern home.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface micro-scratching ('spider-webbing') consistent with regular cleaning. Some light clouding or hazy tarnish beginning to form on the lower curve.
Value Estimate
$300 - $800 USD, largely dependent on the specific weight and whether a premier maker's mark (like Tiffany) is present on the base.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove the micro-scratches. Store in a tarnish-resistant Pacific cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. plain bowls, Gorham Revere reproductions, and Georg Jensen 'Bernadotte' style hollowware.
Interesting Facts
The 'Paul Revere' bowl shape is one of the most reproduced silver forms in history, originally based on the 1768 'Sons of Liberty' bowl made by the American patriot.