S.M. Jordan Mid-Century Sterling Silver Hand-Wrought Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a Bowl, Tray, or Plate) · S.M. Jordan (Silversmith). Jordan was a known American studio silversmith active in the mid-20th century, often associated with the hand-wrought movement and modern aesthetic.
Pattern: Hand-Wrought Modernist (undesignated individual studio piece)
Type
Hollowware (likely a Bowl, Tray, or Plate)
Maker
S.M. Jordan (Silversmith). Jordan was a known American studio silversmith active in the mid-20th century, often associated with the hand-wrought movement and modern aesthetic.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid sterling, characterized by the planished surface visible in the metal grain.
Dimensions
Typical of a small dish or charger, likely 6-10 inches in diameter with a weight range of 150-300 grams depending on gauge.
Description
This piece of studio silver by S.M. Jordan represents the American mid-century transition from traditional craft to modern art. The surface displays a beautiful, soft planished texture that catches light at various angles, a hallmark of hand-raised hollowware. The markings are crisp and positioned on the underside, preserving the clean lines of the object's face.
Key Features
The 'S.M. JORDAN' hand-stamped signature and the 'H' oval mark are the primary diagnostic features for identification.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base metal is solid sterling, characterized by the planished surface visible in the metal grain.
Finish & Decoration
Planished (hammered) finish with fine surface scratching consistent with a brushed or satin patina. The decoration is minimal, favoring the 'truth to material' philosophy of the Arts & Crafts and Modernist movements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item features an 'H' inside an oval cartouche (maker's mark variant) and the hand-struck 'S.M. JORDAN' stamp in a stylized, serif typeface. The lack of a 'Sterling' mark suggests it may be a custom commission where the maker's name stood as the guarantee of quality.
Construction Details
Hand-wrought and raised from a flat sheet of silver. The irregular surface texture indicates manual hammering (planishing) rather than machine spinning or die-striking.
Functional Features
Functional as a serving vessel or decorative display piece; primarily focused on aesthetic form over complex mechanical features.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely handle-less as a low-profile bowl or tray, standard for Jordan's modernist style.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-raising is clear in the radial hammer marks. The edge finishing appears thick and rolled, typical of high-quality manual smithing.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark strike depth is consistent with manual hammering. The 'H' mark is a known secondary mark for this smith. Surface wear patterns are consistent with authentic 70-year-old silver relative to hand-raised construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Produced in a small-scale silversmith studio/workshop rather than a large industrial factory.
Era & Period
Modernist / Mid-Century Modern (c. 1940-1960). This period emphasized hand-crafted techniques applied to simple, organic, or geometric forms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955 based on the typeface of the stamp and the popularity of the 'H-in-oval' mark during his mid-career.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Post-War American shift toward artisanal, unique home goods as a rejection of industrial uniformity.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows a high density of micro-scratches from previous cleaning or use. No visible cracks or deep dents are present, but the metal requires a professional hand-polish to restore its luster. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$300 - $650 USD depending on the specific form and size. Studio silver from this maker carries a premium over its scrap weight due to its collectible nature.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; use a high-quality non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dips as they can strip the desirable 'hand-hammered' patina.
Similar Pieces
Works by Porter Blanchard, Allan Adler, or Arthur Stone. Adler's pieces tend to be more sleek, while Stone's are more traditional in form.
Interesting Facts
S.M. Jordan's work is increasingly sought after by collectors of American Studio Silver as he was part of the community that kept traditional hand-wrought techniques alive during the rise of mass-produced silver.