Vintage Silver-Plated Pierced Vine Pattern Wine Bottle Coaster
Hollowware: Wine Bottle Coaster / Sotto Bottiglia · Attributed to Sheffield Plate reproduction style, likely Italian or European mass-market manufacturer.
Pattern: Classic Pierced Grape and Vine Pattern; a generic but popular 19th-century revival design.
Type
Hollowware: Wine Bottle Coaster / Sotto Bottiglia
Maker
Attributed to Sheffield Plate reproduction style, likely Italian or European mass-market manufacturer.
Material
Silver Plate (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a base metal; possibly includes a weighted or wood-lined base underneath.
Dimensions
Standard wine coaster size: approximately 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in diameter; height approx 4-5 cm. Weight estimated at 200-300g.
Description
An elegant silver-plated wine coaster featuring a continuous gallery of pierced grapevines, a classic motif in barware. The scalloped rim and bead-work provide a formal aesthetic suitable for protecting linens from wine stains.
Key Features
Pierced grapevine gallery, scalloped 'crown' top edge, and reinforced base rim with identifying manufacturer stamps.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a base metal; possibly includes a weighted or wood-lined base underneath.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with pierced (openwork) gallery featuring die-stamped grape clusters and vine leaves. Scalloped top edge with beading.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The label suggests 'Sheffield' style; stamps on the lower rim appear to be pseudo-hallmarks or manufacturer inventory marks common on plated items.
Construction Details
Machine die-stamped gallery band, rolled top edge, and likely a spun base. The gallery is soldered to the base rim.
Functional Features
Pierced sidewalls to allow visibility of label and condensation evaporation; raised rim to contain drips from wine bottles.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Circular rim design for stationary tabletop use.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with die-stamping and automated assembly; clean solder lines but lacks the irregularity of hand-chiselled piercing found in antique examples.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of a 'Lion Passant' or '925' mark confirms it is plated. Marks on the rim are small and likely indicate 'EP' (Electroplate) rather than sterling fineness.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Italy (indicated by the Mercatino tag and 'lavorato' text) or a European commercial workshop using Sheffield-style patterns.
Era & Period
Modern Reproduction / Vintage. Stylistically Mid-Century to Late 20th Century revival of the Regency style (c. 1810-1830).
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-2000. The crispness of the stamp and the modern price tag suggest a second-half 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th-century trend of 'Old World' elegance in home entertaining, where silver-plated hollowware became accessible to the middle class.
Condition Notes
Good used condition; heavy tarnish on the interior base plate. Minor surface scratches and residue from an adhesive price tag. No visible plate loss or 'bleeding'.
Value Estimate
Market value €10 - €25 ($11 - $27 USD). The price tag of €9.15 reflects a thrift/second-hand market valuation.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water to remove label residue. Polish with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Similar Pieces
Original Georgian Sheffield Plate coasters (fused silver with wood bases) or modern sterling silver coasters by Gorham or Tiffany.
Interesting Facts
The term 'Sheffield Plate' refers to a specific 18th-century fusion process, but modern items use it as a generic term for any silver-on-copper/nickel design from that region.