Vintage Weighted Silver Plated Goblet or Chalice
Hollowware - Goblet / Chalice / Compote · Unknown Manufacturer (indicative of standard American silver-plate producers such as Wallace, International Silver, or Oneida)
Pattern: Standard Plain Colonial Revival or Traditional Bell-form Design
Type
Hollowware - Goblet / Chalice / Compote
Maker
Unknown Manufacturer (indicative of standard American silver-plate producers such as Wallace, International Silver, or Oneida)
Material
Silver Plated over base metal, weighted interior (typically filled with plaster or resin and reinforced with a weighted metal rod or base insert for stability)
Dimensions
Standard individual goblet size, approximately 12-15 cm in height with a 7-8 cm rim diameter, heavy in hand due to the weighted base
Description
A classic mid-century silver-plated goblet featuring a clean, smooth bell-shaped bowl atop a slender stem and a flared circular foot. The underside reveals the characteristic indented central well stamped with 'WEIGHTED', showing internal tarnish and oxidation typical of aged base-metal filled hollowware.
Key Features
Weighted base for stability, smooth unembossed surface, clear stamped interior base marking
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over base metal, weighted interior (typically filled with plaster or resin and reinforced with a weighted metal rod or base insert for stability)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-plate finish with a smooth, unadorned bowl and flared foot rim
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular maker stamp on the interior well of the base, reading 'WEIGHTED' around the center, indicating a weighted interior
Construction Details
Machine spun bowl and foot joined via a central stem, with the base filled with weighted material and sealed with a metal plate
Functional Features
Weighted base designed to lower the center of gravity and prevent tipping when used as a decorative chalice or small goblet
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; slender central stem designed for a comfortable hand grip
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing with spun metal components, machine-lathe finishing, and weighted core stabilization
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'WEIGHTED' stamp in the base well is a standard manufacturing indicator for mid-century American silver-plated hollowware designed to feel heavy and balanced
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States, produced during the mid-century mass-manufacturing boom of weighted silver-plated hollowware
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s-1970s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on typical weighted marking styles and base construction
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII democratization of decorative silver-plated tableware, allowing middle-class households to display elegant dining accessories
Condition Notes
Moderate to heavy tarnish, particularly around the recessed base and solder joints. Surface shows minor micro-scratches and typical wear commensurate with age and handling. Structural integrity is sound with no visible dents to the bowl.
Value Estimate
Low market value range (typically $10 - $30 USD), primarily valued as a decorative vintage table accessory rather than precious metal content
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle silver polishing cream designed for silver plate; avoid harsh immersion dips due to the weighted base, which can allow water to seep inside if cracked
Similar Pieces
Standard silver-plated weighted water goblets, sherbet cups, or small chalices produced by major mid-century silversmithing companies
Interesting Facts
Weighted hollowware pieces like goblets, compotes, and candlesticks were immensely popular wedding gifts and dining accessories in mid-20th-century American homes