Late Victorian Sterling Silver Repoussé Two-Handled Bowl/Bonbonnière
Hollowware - Two-Handled Bonbonnière / Fruit Bowl · Likely American silversmith (Gorham or Whiting style) or British export; pending hallmark confirmation. Late 19th-century makers were renowned for this heavy repoussé style.
Pattern: Rococo Revival / Floral Repoussé style; consistent with patterns like 'Stieff Rose' or Gorham's 'King'/'Queen' ornate floral series introduced late 1800s.
Type
Hollowware - Two-Handled Bonbonnière / Fruit Bowl
Maker
Likely American silversmith (Gorham or Whiting style) or British export; pending hallmark confirmation. Late 19th-century makers were renowned for this heavy repoussé style.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy sulfide tarnish. Estimated silver weight: 350-500 grams based on standard proportions for this diameter.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 8-10 inches (excluding handles). Length across handles: 12-14 inches. Approximate height: 2.5-3.5 inches.
Description
An impressive and heavily ornamented silver vessel, this two-handled bowl showcases the high-relief repoussé artistry typical of the Gilded Age. The central well features a crisp, hand-etched sunburst, radiating outward toward a lush garland of chased flowers and scrolls. Its low profile and wide-set handles provide a regal presence on any table.
Key Features
Centric starburst engraving; high-relief floral border; cast ornate handles; heavy gauge construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with heavy sulfide tarnish. Estimated silver weight: 350-500 grams based on standard proportions for this diameter.
Finish & Decoration
Heavy repoussé and chased floral border; hand-engraved starburst/sunburst motif at the center of the bowl. Features a rolled rim and oxidized finish from age.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the top-down photo, but typically located on the underside. Expected marks: 'Sterling', a maker's mark (e.g., Lion/Anchor/G for Gorham), and/or a model number.
Construction Details
Raised silver body from a flat sheet; handles are separately cast and hand-soldered to the body with reinforced bolster joints.
Functional Features
Wide shallow basin for serving; horizontally oriented handles for ease of transport. Multi-functional for fruit, bread, or candies.
Handle & Grip Details
Ornate cast silver scroll handles with foliate motifs; integrated into the rim's decorative scheme. Rigidly attached.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing. The symmetry of the central sunburst indicates a skilled artisan. The handles are well-integrated without sloppy solder overflow.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the repoussé work, the style of the soldered handle joins, and the precision of the centripetal engraving are consistent with late 19th-century manufacture.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Providence (USA) or Birmingham (UK). The floral repoussé style suggests a prominent American workshop of the late 19th century.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Aesthetic Movement (c. 1880-1901). Characterized by the horror vacui (fear of empty space) seen in the dense border decoration.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1905. The combination of the sunburst engraving and the specific cast handle style is hallmark of the turn-of-the-century period.
Cultural Significance
Such bowls served as centerpieces for formal dining, reflecting the era's obsession with specialized serving pieces for every type of foodstuff—from hothouse grapes to bonbons.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows heavy, uneven sulfide tarnish (patina) which may mask surface scratches. No visible terminal cracks, but potential light dings in the smooth well center.
Value Estimate
USD $450 - $850, contingent on maker brand and total troy ounce weight. Heavy tarnish reduces immediate appeal but does not decrease intrinsic value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires deep cleaning with a high-quality paste like Wright's Silver Cream and a soft horsehair brush for the crevices. Avoid 'dipping' solutions which can strip the intentional contrast in the deep floral chasing.
Similar Pieces
Kirk Stieff 'Repoussé' bowls (usually deeper), S. Kirk & Son floral dishes, or Gorham 'Chantilly' hollowware (usually more scroll-focused than floral).
Interesting Facts
Repoussé work reached its peak popularity in the US during the late 1800s, largely driven by the Stieff Company and Gorham, who marketed these pieces as essential 'Status' items for Victorian bridal registries.