Tapered Cylindrical Silver-Plated Candlestick or Trumpet Vase
Decorative Object / Hollowware · Indeterminate; style is reminiscent of early 20th-century mass manufacturers such as Oneida, Gorham (plate division), or International Silver Co.
Pattern: Minimalist Plain Pattern; typical of late Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern utilitarian lines.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware
Maker
Indeterminate; style is reminiscent of early 20th-century mass manufacturers such as Oneida, Gorham (plate division), or International Silver Co.
Material
Likely Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper; the blue-white metallic tint suggests a polished chrome or silver-plated finish over a base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated height 8-12 inches; diameter 1-2 inches at the center. Weight reflects a likely hollow construction, possibly weighted with pitch or cement at the base.
Description
A sleek, modernist silver-toned piece featuring a seamless, tapering cylindrical body. This item exemplifies the mid-20th-century shift toward functionalism and machine-age aesthetics, where the beauty of the object is derived entirely from its reflective surface and geometric precision.
Key Features
High-mirror reflectivity, seamless taper, lack of decorative borders or 'feet,' and industrial-grade finishing.
Material & Composition
Likely Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper; the blue-white metallic tint suggests a polished chrome or silver-plated finish over a base metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish; undecorated plain surface with no engraving, chasing, or applied motifs, emphasizing the sleek, tapering silhouette.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the provided image; typically located on the underside of a weighted base or along the bottom rim if present.
Construction Details
Spun metal construction; the perfectly uniform cylindrical tapering suggests a machine-spinning process over a mandrel rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Hollow interior for holding a candle or flowers; smooth exterior for ease of cleaning.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the body itself serves as the grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured; high-quality industrial polishing and uniform wall thickness typical of mid-market 20th-century production.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of porous hand-hammering marks indicates machine production. The color of the reflections suggests a thin layer of silver or chrome plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or England; mass-produced in a factory setting using industrial electroplating tanks.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945-1965); identified by the lack of ornamentation and focus on geometric form.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the reflective surface quality and minimalism.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' where electroplating allowed middle-class families to own dinnerware that mimicked the look of solid sterling luxury.
Condition Notes
Good condition; visible light surface swirling (micro-scratches) consistent with frequent polishing. Some fingerprints and smudge marks are present on the reflective surface.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD depending on the presence of a maker's mark and the condition of the base.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid hard scrubbing to prevent 'bleeding' of the base metal through the plating.
Similar Pieces
Danish Modern stainless steel vases by Stelton or silver-plated bud vases by Leonard Silver.
Interesting Facts
The 'plain' style became popular after WWII as housewives moved away from the high-maintenance, ornate Victorian patterns that required extensive labor to clean.