Mid-20th Century Egyptian Sterling Silver Cup or Small Bowl
Hollowware (Small Cup, Bowl, or Lota-style vessel) · Unknown Egyptian Workshop; marked with official Cairo government assay office stamps. The workshop is likely a local silversmith active in the mid-century Cairo district.
Pattern: Plain Modernist Style; utilitarian Egyptian silver form without specific Western pattern names.
Type
Hollowware (Small Cup, Bowl, or Lota-style vessel)
Maker
Unknown Egyptian Workshop; marked with official Cairo government assay office stamps. The workshop is likely a local silversmith active in the mid-century Cairo district.
Material
Sterling Silver (90.0% purity). The Egyptian standard typically uses 900 or 800 silver; this specific mark indicates the 900 grade, which is the higher standard for decorative and functional hollowware in Egypt.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 8-10 cm at the base. Weight estimated between 100-200 grams depending on height and wall thickness. Proportions suggest a standard drinking cup or condiment bowl.
Description
A classic example of mid-century Egyptian silver hollowware, this piece reflects a shift toward functionalist design. While simple in form, the silver is of high purity (90%). The base features large, deeply struck hallmarks which are a hallmark of Egyptian government quality control, intended to guarantee metal value to the consumer.
Key Features
Large Egyptian Lotus hallmark; '90' purity stamp; spun metal striations; heavy gauging; minimalist hemispherical or cylindrical form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (90.0% purity). The Egyptian standard typically uses 900 or 800 silver; this specific mark indicates the 900 grade, which is the higher standard for decorative and functional hollowware in Egypt.
Finish & Decoration
Polished/Satin finish. The surface exhibits concentric spinning marks and light surface scratches consistent with utilitarian use. Design is minimalist and functional without engraving or repoussé.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains three Egyptian hallmark components in a 'lotus' cartouche shape: 1. The 'Lotus' flower mark (national mark for silver after 1946); 2. The purity mark '90' in Arabic numerals; 3. The Date Letter (Arabic character), which correlates to the Egyptian dating cycle (likely 1940s-1960s).
Construction Details
Spun silver construction. Evidence of concentric circular ridges on the underside indicates it was formed on a lathe using a 'spinning' process rather than being hand-raised or cast.
Functional Features
Single-walled vessel; rounded base transition; intended for liquid or dry food service. Small form factor suggests individual use.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design; gripping relies on the flare and diameter of the vessel walls.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid commercial-grade craftsmanship. The metal is thick and durable. The spinning is well-centered, though the focus is on durability and material value over artistic ornamentation.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are struck with an 'official' irregularity—deep but slightly uneven—which is characteristic of genuine Egyptian government assay marks of this period. The wear patterns follow the circular spinning lines.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt, likely Cairo or Alexandria. Manufactured using industrial spinning techniques common in mid-century Middle Eastern urban silver workshops.
Era & Period
Modern Egyptian Republic era (Post-1946). The presence of the Lotus flower mark confirms production after the transition from the 'Cat' mark used prior to 1946.
Age Estimate
Circa 1946-1960. The specific calligraphic style of the hallmarks and the use of the Lotus mark pinpoint this as mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Such pieces were common in middle and upper-class Egyptian households for serving water or tea, representing both domestic utility and a display of silver as insurance against inflation.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Moderate surface wear including 'flea bites' and light scuffing. Evidence of heavy polishing in the past. No visible deep dents or structural cracks.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 USD, largely driven by the melt value of the 900 silver plus a small premium for its provenance as Egyptian hollowware.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild detergent and warm water. Polish with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid machine dishwashing as it will dull the 90% silver surface and cause pitting.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Indian Silver or Turkish 800-grade silver. The primary difference is the specific Arabic 'Lotus' mark and the 90 grade, whereas Turkish silver usually bears the 'Tughra' or 'Sah' mark.
Interesting Facts
Egypt has one of the oldest hallmark systems in the world, dating back to 1891. Silver is traditionally a popular investment in Egypt, and these cups were often used as a portable store of wealth.