Vintage Pewter or Silver Plate Tulip-Form Footed Tankard
Hollowware (Tankard/Mug) · Unknown manufacturer; possibly an American or British mid-market silver plate or pewter firm such as Leonard, Sheridan, or a Sheffield trade house.
Pattern: Traditional Baluster or Tulip Pattern; generic tavern-style hollowware without a specific named pattern collection.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard/Mug)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; possibly an American or British mid-market silver plate or pewter firm such as Leonard, Sheridan, or a Sheffield trade house.
Material
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (EPNS or white metal) or possibly Pewter. The blue-green oxidation (verdigris) on the handle and body suggests a copper-based alloy beneath the surface if plated, or high lead content if pewter.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 4.5-5.5 inches (11-14 cm). Estimated weight: 300-450 grams. Appears to be a standard 12oz or 16oz capacity drinking vessel.
Description
A utilitarian footed tankard featuring a classic 'tulip' shaped body that swells at the belly and tapers toward the neck. This piece is a reproduction of colonial-era drinking vessels, intended for decorative or light functional use in a home bar or as a trophy piece. The surface shows heavy signs of environmental exposure and age-related wear.
Key Features
Incised rim bands, bulbous tulip body, cast scroll handle, and a plain pedestal foot without ornamental chasing.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate over a base metal (EPNS or white metal) or possibly Pewter. The blue-green oxidation (verdigris) on the handle and body suggests a copper-based alloy beneath the surface if plated, or high lead content if pewter.
Finish & Decoration
Dull matte finish with significant tarnish and surface oxidation. Minimal decoration consisting of two simple incised parallel lines below the rim and a flared pedestal foot.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Typically found on the underside of the base; likely a 'Silver Plate' stamp or a maker's mark consisting of initials and a symbol.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via casting (for the handle) and metal spinning or die-pressing for the body. The handle is soldered to the main body at two points.
Functional Features
Single loop handle with a 'C' scroll design; flared rim for easy drinking; weighted or hollow pedestal base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal handle with an angular, faux-scrolled grip. Shows significant surface pitting and loss of finish.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade. Machine-spun body with mass-cast handle. The soldering at the handle joints is functional but lacks the refinement found in premium silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of high-relief chasing and the appearance of green corrosion points to a non-sterling composition. The casting seams on the handle are indicative of 20th-century mass production rather than hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United Kingdom or United States as these were popular souvenir and giftware items; potentially manufactured in a factory setting rather than a craft workshop.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1970). The design mimics 18th-century Georgian tavern mugs but utilizes modern mass-manufacturing shortcuts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the handle casting quality and the specific wear patterns on the plating.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th century 'Colonial Revival' trend in home decor where American and British households sought items that felt historically grounded and traditional.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. Extensive surface scratches, heavy oxidation, pitting on the handle, and visible green verdigris spots indicating the breakdown of the base metal. Structural integrity appears intact but the finish is severely compromised.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is nominal due to commonality of the design and poor condition/lack of precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Requires deep cleaning with a non-abrasive silver cream or pewter wash. Given the corrosion, it may require professional buffing. Avoid drinking from this item if the interior plating is compromised, as the base metal may leach.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by Gorham or Tiffany (which would be hallmarked and have much finer detail) or high-quality pewter by Woodbury or Boardman.
Interesting Facts
Tulip-shaped tankards were originally designed to keep beer cool by minimizing surface area at the top while allowing room for a frothy head.