Rococo Revival Style Silver-Plated Oval Bread Basket with Scroll Piercing
Hollowware (Bread Basket / Serving Tray) · Unknown manufacturer; likely an American or European producer of mid-market silver-plated goods such as Poole, Sheridan, or Leonard Silver.
Pattern: Unidentified generic floral and scroll pattern; a standard Rococo Revival commercial design typical of the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Bread Basket / Serving Tray)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; likely an American or European producer of mid-market silver-plated goods such as Poole, Sheridan, or Leonard Silver.
Material
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS); composed of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, zinc) coated with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-14 inches in length and 8-9 inches in width; weight is likely between 400-600 grams due to the base metal core.
Description
An elegant oval silver-plated serving tray or bread basket featuring a highly decorative well. The center is adorned with elaborate scrollwork and foliage, while the deeply fluted sides rise to a scalloped edge interspersed with decorative openwork piercing.
Key Features
Distinguished by the contrast between the polished fluting and the intricate textured engraving in the oval well, and the repeated geometric piercing on the rim.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS); composed of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, zinc) coated with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror finish with stamped scroll and floral engraving in the well, lobed/fluted sides, and machine-pierced openwork patterns on the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; likely stamped 'Silver Plate', 'EPNS', or a manufacturer's logo on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck construction; the decorative well pattern and piercing were likely performed by mechanical presses rather than hand-chasing.
Functional Features
Features a raised, scalloped rim to contain items, flared sides for easy lifting, and a flat oval well for stability on surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
No independent handles; the widely flared, fluted rim serves as the integrated gripping surface for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade quality; evidence of high-volume manufacturing seen in the symmetry of the stamping and the regular spacing of the piercing.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform depth of the 'engraving' and the clean edges of the piercing indicate machine production rather than hand-wrought artisan work.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom; mass-produced in a factory setting using industrial electroplating and stamping techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1970) produced in the 'Rococo Revival' style, mimicking 18th-century European design motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1980s; the crispness of the piercing and the specific style of the machine-engraved well suggests a post-WWII production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' during the 20th century, allowing middle-class households to emulate the traditional formal dining aesthetics of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Good condition; showing minor surface scratches consistent with use. Tarnish is light, suggesting recent cleaning. No visible 'bleeding' of base metal through the plating.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD; value is primarily decorative/functional rather than based on precious metal content or artist rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; polish gently with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid excessive polishing which can wear through the silver layer to the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Similar to mass-produced items by Wallace (Silverplate line) or International Silver. Higher-end versions would be solid sterling and feature hand-pierced 'saw-cut' decoration.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were hallmarks of mid-century suburban hospitality, often gifted as wedding or anniversary presents to be used for formal holiday dinners.