Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Beaker or Cup
Hollowware (Cup/Beaker) · Unknown American or Continental Silversmith; the blurred markings suggest a mid-tier commercial manufacturer of the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Plain or 'Paul Revere' inspired Minimalist style; standard production status.
Type
Hollowware (Cup/Beaker)
Maker
Unknown American or Continental Silversmith; the blurred markings suggest a mid-tier commercial manufacturer of the mid-20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition is solid silver throughout based on the reflective surface and interior toning.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 3-4 inches; diameter of 2.5-3 inches. Typical weight for this form is approximately 80-120 grams (2.5 - 3.8 troy ounces).
Description
This is a classic sterling silver beaker featuring a flared rim and a weighted or steady base. The interior shows the characteristic 'bullseye' of factory-spun hollowware. Its unornamented surface makes it a versatile piece for use as a juice cup, a small julep cup, or a commemorative baby cup.
Key Features
Concentric circle lathe marks on the interior base; crisp tapered walls; 'Sterling' and model number stamps.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition is solid silver throughout based on the reflective surface and interior toning.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with concentric lathed ridges on the interior base. Minimalist design consistent with Mid-Century Modern or late Colonial Revival aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a blurred 'STERLING' stamp and likely a numerical model number (appearing to be '43') alongside a faint circular or shield-shaped maker's mark on the interior floor.
Construction Details
Spun silver construction. The perfectly circular striations in the metal indicate it was formed on a lathe using a steel chuck.
Functional Features
Tapered cylindrical form for drinking; reinforced rim likely achieved by a slight roll or thicker gauge metal at the edge.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless beaker design; intended for a direct wrap-around grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured via spinning. Quality is high-standard commercial grade with excellent symmetry but lacks the 'planishing' marks of hand-hammered artisan silver.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp (though blurry) matches the specific oxidation color in the crevices. Spun construction is correct for 20th-century commercial sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (indicated by the 'Sterling' stamp format) or possibly Scandinavian. Produced in a factory setting rather than a hand-wrought workshop.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). The clinical, machine-precise finish and simplified marking style are hallmarks of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the serif font in the stamps and the spun manufacturing method.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward functionalism in domestic silver, moving away from the ornate repoussé work of the Victorian era towards clean, hygienic lines.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The interior shows light water spotting and minor surface tarnish. There are no visible deep gouges or significant rim deformations in the provided view.
Value Estimate
$100 - $175 USD, primarily dictated by current silver spot price plus a modest premium for the 'Sterling' brand and form.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and dry immediately to prevent spotting. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent sulfide tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Empire Silver Co. Beakers, Gorham 'Puritan' line cups, or Tiffany & Co. basic child's cups. Competitor pieces often have heavier bases.
Interesting Facts
Cups of this style were often used as 'Trophy Cups' for infant christenings or golf tournaments in the mid-20th century, frequently monogrammed later.