Egyptian Aluminum Serving Bowl (Middle Eastern Utilitarian Ware)
Hollowware (Kitchen Bowl / Serving Basin) · Unknown Egyptian manufacturer. The mark features Arabic calligraphy and a central logo with the numerals '5' indicating Egyptian manufacturing standards for aluminum cookware.
Pattern: Standard Utilitarian; smooth surface, circular base, no decorative pattern name.
Type
Hollowware (Kitchen Bowl / Serving Basin)
Maker
Unknown Egyptian manufacturer. The mark features Arabic calligraphy and a central logo with the numerals '5' indicating Egyptian manufacturing standards for aluminum cookware.
Material
Aluminum / Aluminium alloy. Note: This item is NOT silver. The dull grey tone, heavy surface scratching with white 'matte' oxidation, and the specific Arabic '5' mark are diagnostic of food-grade aluminum.
Dimensions
Approximately 15-20 cm in diameter. Generally lightweight compared to silver; aluminum has a density about 1/4 that of sterling silver.
Description
A classic example of Egyptian domestic metalware, this piece is an aluminum serving or mixing bowl. Unlike silver, which tarnishes black, this piece shows the characteristic greyish-white scratching of soft aluminum. It features a large, clear factory stamp in Arabic on the underside, a hallmark of Egyptian industrial production intended for the local market.
Key Features
Arabic factory stamp, circled '5' logo, concentric spinning marks on the base, and lightweight, non-tarnishing grey metal composition.
Material & Composition
Aluminum / Aluminium alloy. Note: This item is NOT silver. The dull grey tone, heavy surface scratching with white 'matte' oxidation, and the specific Arabic '5' mark are diagnostic of food-grade aluminum.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-brushed or spun finish. There is no decorative engraving; it is an industrial, functional finish designed for daily kitchen use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Large circular Egyptian factory stamp on the base. It contains the word 'Misr' (Egypt) or a factory name in Arabic, and a circled '5' which identifies the purity/grade of the aluminum or the specific factory line in the Egyptian industrial system.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-pressed from a flat sheet of aluminum. The concentric circles on the base suggest spinning on a lathe.
Functional Features
Flat bottom for stability on burners or tables; flared rim for easy pouring or handling. Purely functional kitchen utensil.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; it is a simple bowl form with a slightly rolled or finished rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial quality. The stamping is clear but the finishing is basic, typical of a tool meant for a kitchen rather than a display cabinet.
Authentication Indicators
The central mark is a textbook Egyptian aluminum factory stamp. The lack of silver hallmarks (like the Lotus flower or the '925' mark) confirms this is a base metal item.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt. Likely manufactured in a large industrial Cairo or Alexandria-based metalwork factory specializing in mass-produced kitchenware.
Era & Period
Modern Era (mid-20th century to present). These types of aluminum wares became ubiquitous in Middle Eastern households following industrialization in the 1950s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–Present. The condition of the stamp and the style of the press suggest it is a relatively modern piece still used in traditional markets.
Cultural Significance
Aluminum bowls like this are staples in Egyptian and North African households for preparing 'Ful Medames' or mixing dough, representing the transition from copper to aluminum in the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Extensive surface scratches and 'pitting' from utensil use. Visible oxidation (scuffs) typical of aluminum. Structural integrity is solid.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. This is a common utilitarian object with no precious metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm soapy water. Avoid highly acidic foods (like lemon) for long periods as they can pit the aluminum. Do not use silver polish, as it will not change the appearance of this metal.
Similar Pieces
Pewter bowls (which are darker and heavier) or Stainless Steel (which is shinier and harder to scratch).
Interesting Facts
Egypt has a massive industry for aluminum, centered largely around the 'Nag Hammadi' aluminum complex, which supplies the metal for virtually all traditional 'souq' kitchenware.