Mid-Century Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bowl
Hollowware (Serving Bowl / Centerpiece) · Tiffany & Co., New York. Established in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is world-renowned for high-quality sterling silver and helped define the American .925 sterling silver standard.
Pattern: Colonial-style Plain Round Bowl; part of Tiffany's classic mid-20th-century hollowware line. These were often cataloged by their specific item numbers rather than a pattern name like flatware.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl / Centerpiece)
Maker
Tiffany & Co., New York. Established in 1837, Tiffany & Co. is world-renowned for high-quality sterling silver and helped define the American .925 sterling silver standard.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout, no base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter based on typical proportions; weight likely between 400g and 650g (12.8 - 20.9 troy ounces) depending on wall thickness.
Description
A classic example of Tiffany & Co. understated elegance, this sterling silver bowl features a timeless round form. Its beauty relies entirely on the quality of the heavy-gauge silver and the perfection of its polished surface. It represents the height of mid-century American domestic luxury, often given as wedding or anniversary gifts to the social elite.
Key Features
Deep center hallmark strike; 'Tiffany & Co.' maker's mark; heavy sterling weight; minimalist aesthetic without monograms or chasing.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout, no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a simple, unadorned aesthetic typical of the American Federal or Mid-Century Modern minimalist styles. Features a simple rolled or slightly flared rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a faint 'Tiffany & Co.' stamp followed by 'Sterling Silver' and likely a pattern/order number (e.g., '23521' or '23886') and the director's letter 'M' (for William T. Lusk, 1955-1967).
Construction Details
Spun or raised silver. The smooth, circular interior suggests a spinning process on a lathe, common for Tiffany hollowware of this era to achieve perfect symmetry.
Functional Features
Wide, shallow basin suitable for serving salads, fruits, or acting as a decorative centerpiece. Stable, integrated base foot.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a handle-less bowl design.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent symmetry and metal thickness. Even under tarnish, the smooth transition from the base to the rim indicates superior spinning technique and hand-finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The central placement of the hallmark is standard for Tiffany bowls of this size. The font type and spacing of 'Sterling Silver' match authentic mid-century Tiffany die-stamps.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, New York City (Tiffany's workshops in New Jersey or Westchester offices). American silversmithing tradition focusing on purity and mass-market luxury.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). This period emphasized form and material over ornate Victorian or Edwardian engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965. The blurry hallmark layout and stylized 'M' visible in the center indicate the mid-20th-century production window.
Cultural Significance
Such bowls were staples of 'The Wedding Registry' at Tiffany's during the mid-20th century, symbolizing a family's entry into established upper-middle-class American society.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The image shows significant surface oxidation (tarnish) and micro-scratching. There are distinct dark spots (silver sulfide) that require professional cleaning to ensure they haven't caused pitting. No major dents are visible from this angle. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD. Value is heavily determined by weight and the current spot price of silver, plus a significant premium for the Tiffany & Co. brand name.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with Wright's Silver Cream using a soft sponge. Wash in warm soapy water, dry with a microfiber cloth immediately to prevent water spots. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' Bowls (heavier rim), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (highly ornate, opposite style), or Revere-style bowls by Cartier.
Interesting Facts
Tiffany was the first American company to be awarded for excellence at the 1867 Paris Exposition. The 'M' mark on mid-century pieces refers to William T. Lusk, a descendant of Charles Tiffany.