Napier Silver Plated Pig Figural Cocktail Shaker
Hollowware - Cocktail Shaker · The Napier Co., an influential American jewelry and silverplate manufacturer based in Meriden, Connecticut, known for innovative, whimsical, and modern designs throughout the 20th century.
Pattern: Figural Animal Series, specifically the Pig Cocktail Shaker, produced mid-20th century and highly sought after by collectors of novelty barware.
Type
Hollowware - Cocktail Shaker
Maker
The Napier Co., an influential American jewelry and silverplate manufacturer based in Meriden, Connecticut, known for innovative, whimsical, and modern designs throughout the 20th century.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass or white metal alloy beneath a silver electroplate layer).
Dimensions
Estimated length approximately 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches), height approximately 12 to 15 cm (4.5 to 6 inches); weight estimated at 400 to 700 grams depending on construction thickness.
Description
An engaging and whimsical silver-plated cocktail shaker in the charming shape of a pig by The Napier Co. The piece features a smooth, reflective silver finish, four sturdy feet, and a distinct snout acting as the pour spout. A delightful conversation piece for any home bar, capturing the playful spirit of mid-century American cocktail culture.
Key Features
Distinctive pig figural form, 'NAPIER PAT. PEND.' maker's mark, functional snout pour spout, and classic mid-century barware aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically brass or white metal alloy beneath a silver electroplate layer).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror silver finish with functional figural details including short protruding legs serving as feet and a snout configured as a pouring spout.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marked on the underside with the stamped text 'NAPIER' over 'PAT. PEND.' (Patent Pending), indicating the piece was produced during the patent application process.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured and die-formed components assembled via seaming and soldering, featuring a two-piece body with a secure fitting lid and hollow soldered feet.
Functional Features
Pig snout functions as a pouring spout; removable top section for filling with liquids and ice; feet designed to elevate the body stably on flat surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
No traditional handle; gripped by the main cylindrical body of the animal form, utilizing the ergonomic contours of the figural shape.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid commercial-grade electroplated manufacturing with clean solder joints on the feet and well-aligned seam construction typical of mid-century American metalware production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear 'NAPIER PAT. PEND.' block letter stamp characteristic of authentic mid-century Napier production pieces; construction style matches known catalog examples of their figural animal shakers.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States by The Napier Co., reflecting the vibrant American novelty barware design tradition of the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Retro (c. 1930s-1950s), characterized by playful figural cocktail accessories popular during the cocktail culture boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1950s, supported by the 'Pat. Pend.' marking and the peak era of whimsical novelty cocktail shakers.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of American cocktail culture and home entertaining luxury in the mid-20th century, where clever design and novelty items transformed standard bar tools into status symbols and party centerpieces.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition showing moderate surface scratching, scuffs, tarnish spots, and some minor plating wear on high-friction or protruding areas like the feet. Structure appears intact with visible surface patina.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $200 and $600 USD depending heavily on the overall condition, presence of inner strainers, and current collector demand for vintage barware.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth; avoid harsh abrasive silver dips that can strip the electroplated surface; polish sparingly with a quality silver polishing cream.
Similar Pieces
Napier Penguin cocktail shaker, Gorham figural bird shaker, and various Continental European novelty animal shakers from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Novelty figural cocktail shakers shaped like animals, penguins, and roosters became massively popular in America during Prohibition and the post-WWII era, with Napier being a premier American innovator in this space.