American Art Nouveau Repoussé Sterling Silver Trumpet Vase with Integrated Flower Frog
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Trumpet Vase) · Attributed to Gorham Manufacturing Co. or Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. based on pattern style and construction; American silversmiths known for high-quality production wares.
Pattern: Repoussé Rose and Scroll Pattern (Generic Art Nouveau); typical of early 20th-century floral motifs.
Type
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Trumpet Vase)
Maker
Attributed to Gorham Manufacturing Co. or Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. based on pattern style and construction; American silversmiths known for high-quality production wares.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with likely weighted base (pitch or cement-filled for stability).
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in height; base diameter 3.5 inches; weight is heavily influenced by reinforcing filler in the base.
Description
An elegant American Art Nouveau sterling silver trumpet vase, featuring a heavily decorated base and rim with repoussé roses and scrolls. The sleek, polished neck provides a striking contrast to the ornate sculptural borders. This vessel includes a functional lattice top, designed to support delicate floral arrangements, making it both a tabletop centerpiece and a work of art.
Key Features
Integrated silver lattice flower frog; heavy floral repoussé borders; weighted base for upright stability; classic 'Trumpet' silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with likely weighted base (pitch or cement-filled for stability).
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé decoration on the rim and base featuring scrolled floral motifs; mirrored/polished central trumpet column; Art Nouveau styling with heavy oxidation in the recesses of the pattern.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Sterling' with a maker's mark and model number on the bottom edge or under the base (not visible in image). Expect '925/1000' or the 'Lion-Anchor-G' logo if Gorham.
Construction Details
Spun silver trumpet body with die-struck or cast repoussé bands at top and bottom; machine-assisted but hand-finished assembly.
Functional Features
Removable or integrated wire-rimmed flower frog at the top to secure individual floral stems; flared trumpet shape for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Functional column design without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking on the floral bands; the seam between the spun neck and the base is expertly polished to be invisible.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the repoussé work and the 'Sterling' designation typical of American makers; wear patterns on the base rim consistent with a century of tabletop use.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; likely Providence, RI or Meriden, CT, centers of American silver production.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (Circa 1890-1915); characterized by organic, flowing floral forms and the trumpet silhouette.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1915; based on the floral repoussé style and the particular 'frog' insert design.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining and parlor customs of the Edwardian era, where 'bud' vases were used to display single stems from one's own garden as a sign of refinement.
Condition Notes
Very Good; light surface tarnish and minor 'pinpoint' dings typical of soft sterling; the base shows a price tag (48.00) which may indicate a recent estate find; structural integrity appears solid.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 (USD) depending on exact maker and silver weight; monograms/condition significantly impact price.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and Wright's Silver Cream; avoid immersing the base in water if it is weighted, as moisture can cause the internal 'cement' to expand and split the silver.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'Grand Baroque' vases (more Rococo), Georg Jensen 'Acorn' vases (more minimalist), or plated floral vases by Sheffield (heavier, different hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
Vases of this period often featured 'weighted' bases because the top-heavy nature of water and flowers would otherwise cause thin-gauge sterling silver to tip easily.