Cabrera Silver Plate Footed Chalice or Goblet
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel · Cabrera, a Spanish manufacturer known for producing commercial-grade silver-plated hollowware for the hospitality and export markets.
Pattern: Hotel or Classic Plain pattern, characterized by utilitarian lines and durable construction often used in catering.
Type
Hollowware - Drinking Vessel
Maker
Cabrera, a Spanish manufacturer known for producing commercial-grade silver-plated hollowware for the hospitality and export markets.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The presence of heavy copper-toned tarnish suggests a base metal of brass or nickel silver underneath a thin silver deposit.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 to 7 inches in height with a 3-inch base diameter. Estimated weight: 250-350 grams. Large standard goblet size.
Description
This is a utilitarian silver-plated goblet manufactured by Cabrera in Spain. It features a classic trumpet-shaped bowl atop a sturdy pedestal base. While originally intended to shine with a high-luster silver surface, this piece shows significant environmental tarnish that has developed a distinctive circular pattern on the base. It is a solid example of Spanish silver plate export ware from the late 20th century.
Key Features
Circular 'CABRERA SPAIN' mark; spun-metal construction; absence of purity hallmarks; consistent with mid-range European plating standards.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The presence of heavy copper-toned tarnish suggests a base metal of brass or nickel silver underneath a thin silver deposit.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish currently obscured by heavy circular oxidation and 'fire scale' appearance. Design is plain and minimalist without engraving or repoussé.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamp located on the base underside reading 'CABRERA', 'SPAIN', and a model or production number '1125'. No sterling fineness marks (.925) are present.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with a soldered pedestal base. The base shows a recessed center point where the spinning mandrel or soldering jig was placed.
Functional Features
Wide pedestal base for stability; flared rim for comfortable drinking. Designed for high-volume use and durability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a stem-based vessel; no separate handles are integrated into the design.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial factory quality. Evidenced by the machine spinning marks on the underside and the use of a simple stamp rather than hand-chased hallmarks.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Ley 925' (Spanish sterling mark) or the pentagram star hallmark confirms this is silver plate. The stamping technique is consistent with factory-produced goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Spain; likely manufactured in one of the industrial silver hubs such as Valencia or Madrid for international export.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-to-Late 20th Century (post-1960s). It reflects the industrial mass-production style of Spanish silver companies from this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990 based on the stamping style and the wear pattern of the electroplating.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the globalization of the silver market where Spanish workshops shifted from hand-wrought tradition to machine-standardized silver plating for middle-class consumers.
Condition Notes
Poor/Fair. The piece exhibits heavy tarnish/oxidation with potential plate loss (bleeding through to the base metal). Surface showing scratches and environmental wear. Grade: Fair.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Value is limited due to the item being silver plated rather than solid silver and its current poor surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Requires heavy cleaning with a silver foam like Wright's. If the silver layer is too thin, polishing may reveal the yellowish base metal beneath (over-polishing). Store in pH-neutral paper.
Similar Pieces
Valero Spain silver plate; Leon silver plate; Oneida hotel plate. Differs from Valero by the specific maker's mark and weight profile.
Interesting Facts
Spanish silver companies like Cabrera were significant exporters of hollowware to the United States and UK in the late 20th century, providing affordable 'silver' aesthetics for home entertaining.