Arts and Crafts Style Hammered Silver-Plated Bud Vase
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Small Vessel) · Unknown American or British Arts & Crafts Workshop; possibly associated with companies like Benedict Proctor or Craftsman Co. who specialized in hammered hollowware.
Pattern: Generic Arts and Crafts Hammered Pattern; often referred to as 'Hand Wrought' or 'Art Metal'.
Type
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Small Vessel)
Maker
Unknown American or British Arts & Crafts Workshop; possibly associated with companies like Benedict Proctor or Craftsman Co. who specialized in hammered hollowware.
Material
Likely Silver-Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Pewter. The dull, greyish tarnish and color transition suggest a base metal of nickel silver with a thin electroplated silver layer that may have worn down.
Dimensions
Estimated 5-7 inches in height and 2.5-3.5 inches at widest diameter. Weight approximately 150-250 grams depending on base metal thickness.
Description
This small bud vase exemplifies the Arts and Crafts aesthetic with its prominent hammered surface and organic, bulbous form. The scalloped rim evokes a flower-like opening, contrasting with the utilitarian texture of the body. Its patina has deepened into a pewter-like grey, typical of early 20th-century silver-plated articles.
Key Features
Planished (hammered) surface texture, flared 'tulip' scalloped rim, and a high-waisted bulbous body profile.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Pewter. The dull, greyish tarnish and color transition suggest a base metal of nickel silver with a thin electroplated silver layer that may have worn down.
Finish & Decoration
Hammered finish (martelé) characterized by faceted dimples designed to catch the light. Features a flared, scalloped rim and a constricted neck. Style is deeply rooted in the Arts & Crafts movement.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually located on the base. Likely includes an 'EPNS' stamp, a number, or a workshop symbol like a crown or shield. If unmarked, it is likely a studio piece or lower-tier commercial production.
Construction Details
Spun or raised base form with secondary hammering applied for texture. The rim appears to be rolled or hand-scalloped. Not a solid high-silver casting.
Functional Features
Water-tight vessel intended for a single stem or small bouquet. Flared rim allows for flower support while narrow neck keeps stems upright.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld body design.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade craftsmanship mimicking artisanal 'Hand-Wrought' styles. The hammering is somewhat uniform, suggesting a workshop production line rather than a master silversmith's unique creation.
Authentication Indicators
The irregularity of the hammering suggests a deliberate aesthetic choice rather than repair. The lack of standard sterling hallmarks (like a Lion Passant or '925') points toward silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or UK. The hammered style was a reaction against Industrial Revolution mass production, though this specific piece appears to be a factory-made version of that 'handmade' aesthetic.
Era & Period
Arts & Crafts Movement (c. 1880-1920), likely a mid-era production from 1905-1915 following the popularization of 'hand-touched' aesthetics over industrial mass production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1925 based on the hammered finish and scalloped rim profile.
Cultural Significance
Represents the middle-class adoption of the 'Handmade' movement in the early 20th century, where decorative objects moved away from Victorian ornamentation toward natural textures.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and surface oxidation. Possible 'plate loss' (bleeding of base metal) visible near the neck. Minor dents near the base and some surface pitting.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD as a decorative antique. Value is limited by the likely silver-plated nature and lack of a high-value maker’s mark.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gently with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid dipping solutions as the piece may be pewter-based or have porous plating which can be further damaged by harsh chemicals.
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor Hammered Vases, Gorham Martelé (though Gorham's is high-purity solid silver and much higher quality), Sheffield Pewter bud vases.
Interesting Facts
The 'hammered' look was promoted by William Morris and Gustav Stickley as a way to show the 'honest' labor of the craftsman, even though later commercial pieces used machines to mimic the look of hand-raising.