Gadroon-Edged Copper-Base Silver Plate Coaster or Small Dish (Base Metal Exposed)
Hollowware (Wine Coaster, Wine Bottle Stand, or Pin Dish) · Unknown manufacturer; typical of mass-produced silver plate from the 20th century. Likely an American or British commercial manufacturer.
Pattern: Gadroon Border Pattern; a classic, anonymous design used by many silver-plating firms to emulate 18th-century Georgian silver styles.
Type
Hollowware (Wine Coaster, Wine Bottle Stand, or Pin Dish)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; typical of mass-produced silver plate from the 20th century. Likely an American or British commercial manufacturer.
Material
Silver-plated copper. The base metal is copper, which is clearly visible due to the total loss of the silver electroplate layer. This is often referred to as Copper-Ware or 'Bled Silver'.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter; approximately 100-150 grams. This size suggests a standard wine bottle coaster or a small nut/mint dish.
Description
Originally a silver-plated serving accessory, this piece now serves as a striking example of 'bleeding copper.' The silver layer has been completely polished away or chemically stripped, leaving the bright, reflective copper core. The gadrooned inner border provides a textured contrast to the flat, polished center.
Key Features
Total silver loss exposing copper base metal; machine-stamped gadrooning; internal rivets for a missing handle; spun manufacture rings.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated copper. The base metal is copper, which is clearly visible due to the total loss of the silver electroplate layer. This is often referred to as Copper-Ware or 'Bled Silver'.
Finish & Decoration
Mechanical gadrooning (a series of convex curves or 'rungs') around the interior base wall. The original finish was a bright silver electroplate, now entirely worn away to reveal the warm copper base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Such pieces often have 'Silver on Copper' or 'E.P.C.' (Electroplated Copper) stamped on the underside.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and spun from a single sheet of copper. The gadrooning is die-struck rather than hand-chased, evidenced by the extreme regularity and sharpness of the lines.
Functional Features
Depressed center to catch condensation or hold a bottle securely; two rivets are visible on the rim suggesting a handle or wooden component was once attached.
Handle & Grip Details
Fragmentary; two small rivets on the rim indicate a previously attached handle (likely a turned wood handle or a silver-plated ring handle) which is now missing.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; mass-produced via mechanical spinning and die-stamping. Functional but lacks the refinement of hand-chased silver.
Authentication Indicators
The bright orange hue is the primary indicator of a copper base. The lack of standard sterling hallmarks ('925' or Lion Passant) confirms this is not solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (e.g., Sheridan, Gorham, or Poole) or Sheffield, England. Produced in a large-scale industrial factory using electroplating baths.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940-1960); a period of high production for 'Silver on Copper' revival pieces designed for the middle-class market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The wear pattern and construction style are consistent with mid-century household silver plate.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' silver for the mid-century home, where plated items allowed families to emulate high-society dining traditions at a lower cost.
Condition Notes
Poor for silver-plated collectors, but 'shabby chic' for decorative use. The silver plating is 100% lost. There are visible surface scratches and oxidation. Missing handle. Grade: Poor (Damaged/Worn).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00. The value is decorative or scrap-based, as the silver content is zero and the handle is missing.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Since the silver is gone, use a copper cleaner if a bright shine is desired, or let it develop a dark brown patina. Avoid silver dips as they are ineffective on copper.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield Plate Wine Coasters (usually have wood bases), Solid Copper Skillets (thicker gauge), or Modern Copper Decor (often lacquered).
Interesting Facts
In the 18th century, 'Old Sheffield Plate' was made by fusing silver to copper. In the 20th century, electroplating (EP) became the standard. This piece is the latter, designed to look like the former when worn.