Paul Revere Style Silver Plate Golf Trophy Bowl
Trophy / Hollowware (Bowl) · Unknown manufacturer; likely an American silver company such as International Silver, Gorham, or Reed & Barton produced this as an engravable blank.
Pattern: Paul Revere / Early American Style bowl with a gadroon (rope) border edge.
Type
Trophy / Hollowware (Bowl)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; likely an American silver company such as International Silver, Gorham, or Reed & Barton produced this as an engravable blank.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or possibly Sterling Silver, though the heavy, dark tarnish and surface wear are highly characteristic of silver plate over a base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches in height. Standard individual trophy bowl size.
Description
This is a classic Paul Revere style pedestal bowl designed as a golf trophy. The item features a deep, hemispherical bowl with a distinctive rope-like gadroon border at the rim and the base. Its surface is currently covered in a dark, atmospheric tarnish that highlights the sans-serif and decorative engraving on the front face.
Key Features
Heavy gadroon border, pedestal foot, and specific sports provenance related to a 'Folly' golf tournament.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or possibly Sterling Silver, though the heavy, dark tarnish and surface wear are highly characteristic of silver plate over a base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish currently obscured by heavy tarnish. Features a chased gadroon or 'rope' border around the rim and base. Custom machine-engraved text: 'GOLF TROPHY / FOLLY / LOW NET'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in photo; likely located on the bottom of the footed base. Expected marks would include a maker's name or logo, and either 'Sterling' or 'Silverplate / EPNS'.
Construction Details
Machine-spun bowl body with a separately applied gadroon rim and a weighted or soldered footed base.
Functional Features
Open vessel design intended for display of trophies or use as a nut/candy bowl; features a stable pedestal base.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; standard Revere-style circular form.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial quality; the gadroon border is a machine-rolled or cast application rather than hand-chased. The engraving is proficient but standard commercial work.
Authentication Indicators
The engraving style and construction methods are consistent with 20th-century silver production. The wear pattern on the rim suggests silver plate over base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or England; mass-produced by commercial silversmiths for the corporate and athletic prize market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII era), likely 1950s-1970s based on the block typography of the engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The font and 'Low Net' golf terminology are consistent with mid-century country club awards.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century rise of leisure sports and the tradition of using silver-colored hollowware as a symbol of athletic achievement and prestige.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) throughout. Visible surface scratches and minor pitting. The structure appears sound without major dents.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 if silver plate; $150 - $300 if sterling silver (scrap value + premium). Value is primarily decorative unless 'Folly' refers to a famous club.
Care & Maintenance
Requires deep cleaning with a quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth to remove heavy oxidation. Avoid abrasive pads which will strip the silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Revere Bowls (higher value, sterling), generic silver plate Revere bowls (similar value), or Gorham Heritage series pieces.
Interesting Facts
The term 'Low Net' refers to a golfer's score after their handicap has been subtracted. Trophy bowls like this were staple awards in American country club culture.