Mid-Century Modern Lobed Sterling Silver Sugar Bowl
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Tea Service component) · Attributed to mid-20th century American or Scandinavian silversmiths; styling is reminiscent of Gorham or Danish workshops like Georg Jensen or Hans Hansen.
Pattern: Lobed globular form; often part of a 'melon' or 'pumpkin' style collection. Specific pattern name requires hallmark confirmation, likely a commercial modernist line c. 1950.
Type
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Tea Service component)
Maker
Attributed to mid-20th century American or Scandinavian silversmiths; styling is reminiscent of Gorham or Danish workshops like Georg Jensen or Hans Hansen.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior to protect the silver from acidity and prevent corrosion.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 3.5 inches; Width across handles: 5.5 inches; Estimated weight: 200-300 grams (approx. 6.5 - 9.5 troy ounces).
Description
This elegant sterling silver sugar bowl features a distinctive bulbous, lobed body that creates a playful play of light across its mirrored surface. The interior is richly gilded in gold, providing a warm contrast to the cool silver exterior. Its twin scroll handles provide a touch of classical elegance to an otherwise modern, organic form.
Key Features
Deep lobed 'melon' fluting; rich vermeil interior; balanced dual scroll handles; heavy-gauge silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior to protect the silver from acidity and prevent corrosion.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with wide vertical lobed repoussé. Features an interior gilt wash and an oxidized/shadowed effect deep within the lobing for visual depth. Style: Mid-Century Modern with Art Deco influence.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the underside of the base. Expected marks include 'Sterling', a pattern number, and a maker's mark (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G or a Danish hallmark). Marks are currently obscured in the image.
Construction Details
Raised and chased body with cast handles. The lobing is likely hand-finished over a spun form. Handles are hard-soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Open-top design (missing lid or designed as an open sugar basin). Wide mouth for sugar tongs; twin handles for symmetrical transport.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast solid silver C-scroll handles with stylized thumb rests and scrolled terminals. Symmetrically applied with clean solder points.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry in the fluting suggests a master-crafted die or skilled hand-chasing. The seamless integration of the handles indicates high-quality soldering technique.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic color of the metal and the presence of gold wash are strong indicators of sterling silver. The weight and handle attachment style are consistent with mid-20th-century professional smithing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence, RI or New York) or Denmark (Copenhagen). Represents industrial post-war silver production with high-level hand finishing.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945-1965). The clean lines and lack of ornate floral engraving move away from Victorian excess toward organic, sculptural forms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The robust 'lobed' aesthetic was popular in post-WWII bridge tea sets.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal tea culture of the mid-20th century, where matching silver services were a staple of middle-class and upper-class entertainment and wedding gifts.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface 'micro-scratching' consistent with age and polishing. No significant dents or deep scratches visible. Vermeil interior appears intact but may have slight thinning at the rim.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is largely dependent on the specific maker's mark and the presence of a matching teapot/creamer.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) for the exterior. Avoid abrasive pads on the interior gilt wash, as gold leaf is thin and can be rubbed away. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' sugar bowls (more ornate), Georg Jensen 'Cactus' hollowware (more geometric), or International Silver 'Royal Danish' (fluted but different handles).
Interesting Facts
Gold-washed (Vermeil) interiors were not just decorative; they were functional, as sugar was often unrefined and could react with silver. This style of lobing was popularized by the 'Melon' patterns of the 18th century but reimagined for 20th-century minimalism.