St James Silver Plated Octagonal Container or Base
Hollowware - Container, Base, or Box · St. James Silversmiths, known for producing quality silver-plated tableware and hollowware typically during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Unspecified geometric utility line featuring clean octagonal shaping characteristic of mid-century functional tableware.
Type
Hollowware - Container, Base, or Box
Maker
St. James Silversmiths, known for producing quality silver-plated tableware and hollowware typically during the mid-20th century.
Material
Silver Plate over a base metal, likely brass, copper, or a white metal alloy (such as nickel silver or EPNS).
Dimensions
Estimated medium utility scale, roughly 15 to 20 cm across the octagonal span, weight consistent with a silver-plated hollowware base.
Description
An octagonal silver-plated base or container showing substantial age through a rich, multicolored iridescent tarnish. The bottom panel displays a clear manufacturer stamp reading "St James" above the number "2", flanked by a maker's hallmark symbol. The geometric form is clean and precise, typical of mid-century decorative and functional hollowware.
Key Features
Distinct octagonal geometry, prominent St James maker's stamp with size numeral "2", and striking natural iridescent patina across the base.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over a base metal, likely brass, copper, or a white metal alloy (such as nickel silver or EPNS).
Finish & Decoration
Smooth reflective surface currently exhibiting heavy iridescent and dark natural tarnish/patina, shaped with clean geometric octagonal planes without complex engraved decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark showing a stylized symbol alongside the text "St James" with the numeral "2" underneath indicating a size designation or plating standard code.
Construction Details
Machine-assisted manufacturing common to mid-20th-century silver plate production, featuring cleanly joined seams forming the precise octagonal geometry.
Functional Features
Designed as a stable base or container with flat planes and raised edges, ideal for display or utility holding.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in this view, structured as a standalone octagonal container component or base.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing with precise stamping of the geometric form and crisp, legible maker's hallmarks pressed into the base metal prior to or during plating.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark stamp "St James" with accompanying numeric and graphic marks provides clear attribution to the brand, though professional metal testing is required to confirm the base metal composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United Kingdom or United States under the St. James brand name, reflecting mid-century mass production standards for silver-plated goods.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1940-1970) based on the typography of the hallmark and clean geometric styling.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970, deduced from the stamped maker's mark font style and patination patterns.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war expansion of accessible silver-plated hollowware for middle-class domestic utility and interior decoration.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The piece exhibits heavy tarnish, surface scratches, and scuffs consistent with age and storage, but retains structural integrity with no visible punctures or deep dents.
Value Estimate
Modest collector value, typically ranging from $20 to $60 USD depending on the complete item's form and overall preservation.
Care & Maintenance
Can be gently cleaned with a specialized silver polishing cream like Wright's Silver Cream and a soft microfiber cloth to reduce tarnish, or left unpolished to preserve the current antique patina.
Similar Pieces
Mid-century silver-plated trays, coasters, and boxes produced by manufacturers such as Oneida, International Silver, and various Sheffield plating companies.
Interesting Facts
The vibrant coloration visible on the metal is a result of advanced silver sulfide tarnish refracting light across the polished silver-plated surface over decades of exposure.