Mid-Century Modern Weighted Sterling Silver Footed Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Compote Component) · Unknown American or European Manufacturer (Likely Gorham, International, or Empire Silversmiths based on form)
Pattern: Minimalist Plain Pattern, 20th Century Production
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Compote Component)
Maker
Unknown American or European Manufacturer (Likely Gorham, International, or Empire Silversmiths based on form)
Material
Sterling Silver (92.5%) exterior skin with a weighted core (typically plaster, resin, or lead) and likely a steel threaded rod.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-5 inches in diameter; gross weight approximately 150-250 grams (mostly filler weight).
Description
A classic examples of mid-20th-century functional silver. This small compote or nut bowl features a deep, hemispherical bowl with a smooth interior and a reinforced rim. The center features a visible flat-head screw, which is the standard method for securing a hollow silver 'skin' to a weighted decorative foot.
Key Features
Central assembly screw, weighted construction, mirror-finish interior, and industrial spinning striations visible in the light reflections.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (92.5%) exterior skin with a weighted core (typically plaster, resin, or lead) and likely a steel threaded rod.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished mirror finish with a simple rolled rim. Minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are likely on the underside (not visible); expected stamps include 'Sterling', 'Weighted', and a maker's hallmark or logo.
Construction Details
Machine-spun silver sheet construction; the visible screw head indicates it is a multi-part assembly where the bowl is bolted to a base.
Functional Features
Threaded screw assembly; allows for the bowl or base to be replaced or tightened if it becomes loose.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a handle-less bowl form.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision machine-spinning. The quality is standard for commercial-grade hollowware; uniform wall thickness with a focus on polished surface finish rather than hand-wrought detail.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a central screw and the thinness of the rim are consistent with mid-market 'Weighted Sterling' production of the 20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Denmark; mass-produced using industrial spinning lathes for a consistent, affordable silver product.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1940-1960). Stylistic indicators include the clean lines and absence of ornamental chasing or engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s based on the screw-head assembly and the simplified rolled edge.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of silver ownership in the post-WWII middle-class home, emphasizing utility and easy-to-clean surfaces over Victorian ornate styles.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Displays moderate tarnish and surface 'fire-scale' or oxidation (yellowish tint). Some micro-scratching from previous cleaning. No major dents visible.
Value Estimate
$30 - $60 USD. Value is driven by utility rather than silver content due to the weighted base.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s. Do not submerge in water for long periods, as moisture can seep into the screw hole and degrade the weighted filler.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' series (solid, not weighted) or Gorham 'Puritan' (similar minimalist aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
Weighted silver was designed to give the illusion of heavy, solid silver luxury while utilizing significantly less precious metal—often only a few troy ounces of actual silver.