Godinger Silver Art Co. Silver-Plated Pierced Oval Centerpiece Bowl
Hollowware (Centerpiece Bowl / Fruit Bowl) · Godinger Silver Art Co. (GSA), an American company founded in 1973 by Arnold Godinger and William Lefkowitz in New York. The brand is known for high-volume, elegant silver-plated giftware and decorative items produced primarily for retail department stores.
Pattern: Baroque/Victorian Revival style (Common Godinger aesthetic); specific pattern names often vary by retailer, but it features traditional shell-and-scroll motifs with reticulated/pierced sides.
Type
Hollowware (Centerpiece Bowl / Fruit Bowl)
Maker
Godinger Silver Art Co. (GSA), an American company founded in 1973 by Arnold Godinger and William Lefkowitz in New York. The brand is known for high-volume, elegant silver-plated giftware and decorative items produced primarily for retail department stores.
Material
Silver-plated over a base metal (likely brass or white metal). The presence of 'Made in India' and the Godinger logo suggests an electroplated nickel silver or brass composition (EPNS or EPB).
Dimensions
Estimated at approximately 12-14 inches in length and 8-10 inches in width. Weight is likely between 600-900 grams; however, it is standard retail weight and not measured in troy ounces as it is not solid silver.
Description
An elegant oval centerpiece bowl featuring a classic pierced pattern and footed base. The design mimics high-end Victorian sterling silver of the late 19th century, offering a luxury aesthetic at an accessible price point. The scalloped edges and floral casting make it a formal addition to a dining table.
Key Features
Reticulated (pierced) lattice body, Rococo-style cast feet, and the distinctive Godinger Silver Art circular stamp on the polished bottom.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated over a base metal (likely brass or white metal). The presence of 'Made in India' and the Godinger logo suggests an electroplated nickel silver or brass composition (EPNS or EPB).
Finish & Decoration
Silver-plated with heavy tarnish/oxidation. The piece features a 'pierced' or reticulated lattice-work body, likely die-cut, with an applied cast rim of floral and shell motifs in the Rococo/Victorian Revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside features the circular 'GODINGER SILVER ART' maker's mark. There is also a small gold foil sticker that reads 'MADE IN INDIA,' which is characteristic of pieces produced for the mass market in the late 20th century.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking and mechanical piercing. The decorative feet and rim are likely cast components that have been soldered to the main bowl body. This is a mass-produced item rather than a hand-wrought piece.
Functional Features
Pierced sides for ventilation (ideal for fruit) and built-in cast feet to elevate the bowl from the table surface to prevent heat transfer or scratches.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the piece is designed to be gripped by the reinforced cast rim or lifted by the base.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial quality for silver-plated ware. The piercing is uniform (indicating machine-cut), and the solder joints on the feet are well-hidden but not hand-filed to the standard of fine antique silver.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Godinger product as evidenced by the clear circular logo stamp and the 'Made in India' retail sticker which aligns with the brand's manufacturing history.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed by an American company (Godinger) but manufactured in India. India has a long-standing tradition of metalwork and currently serves as a major hub for international silver-plate production.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Victorian Revival style). Produced during the late 20th century, specifically the 1980s-1990s, when Godinger pieces were popular wedding and housewarming gifts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-2005 based on the style of the 'Made in India' sticker and the Godinger Silver Art logo design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Modern Traditionalist' home decor movement of the late 20th century, where middle-class households sought to replicate the formal dining grandeur of the 19th century using affordable plated alternatives.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant tarnish (sulfide buildup) across the bottom and sides, giving it a yellowish-black appearance. There are signs of 'plate loss' or wear where the base metal may be beginning to show through (bleeding), particularly on high-friction points of the feet.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is limited by the fact that it is silver plate rather than sterling silver, and the current condition requires significant cleaning.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty; avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Use a soft horsehair brush for the pierced holes. Store in a tarnish-free cloth to prevent the heavy oxidation seen in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Similar styles are produced by Leonard Silver, Sheridan, and Reed & Barton (plated line). The main difference is that Godinger focuses on heavier, more ornate Victorian-style castings compared to the sleeker designs of competitors.
Interesting Facts
Godinger Silver Art is one of the few silver-plating companies from the late 20th century that still remains highly active today, though they have expanded significantly into crystal, pewter, and stainless steel.