Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Single Stem Footed Egg Cup
Hollowware (Egg Cup / Breakfast Service) · Unknown manufacturer; possibly American (Gorham/Empire) or Scandinavian (Georg Jensen style). Identification requires a hallmark inspection on the base.
Pattern: Streamlined Plain Style; often associated with 'Modernist' or 'Pointed' collections from the 1940s-1960s.
Type
Hollowware (Egg Cup / Breakfast Service)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; possibly American (Gorham/Empire) or Scandinavian (Georg Jensen style). Identification requires a hallmark inspection on the base.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality Heavy Silver Plate. Solid metal construction with no mixed materials visible.
Dimensions
Standard egg cup height (approx. 2.5-3 inches); estimated weight 25-45 grams. Designed to hold a standard Grade A jumbo egg.
Description
This elegant sterling silver egg cup represents the height of mid-century breakfast service. Its minimalist tulip form and tapering stem emphasize the purity of the metal over ornate decoration. It is a refined functional object designed for the modern table.
Key Features
Distinguished by its high-waisted pedestal, perfectly circular flared foot, and seamless transition between the bowl and stem.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality Heavy Silver Plate. Solid metal construction with no mixed materials visible.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a clean, unadorned surface. Minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern period; no chasing or engraving present.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the image. Would typically be located on the underside of the foot, featuring a 'Sterling' stamp or a maker's hallmark (e.g., Lion Passant or Eagle).
Construction Details
Spun silver construction with a soldered stem and base. The pedestal is likely hollow-spun to reduce weight while maintaining structural balance.
Functional Features
Tulip-shaped bowl designed for stability; flared rim to accommodate different egg sizes; elevated stem to prevent heat transfer to the tabletop.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a stem-only cup design with no handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine-spun piece with hand-finished polishing. Excellent symmetry suggests a professional industrial production line.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform thickness of the rim and the clean solder line at the pedestal base are consistent with period production standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or Denmark. High prevalence of this specific 'tulip' form was produced in New England factories like Providence or Copenhagen ateliers.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). The 'Atomic' age influence is visible in the sleek, tapering pedestal and simplified curves.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the flared bowl profile and the machine-spun uniformity.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formalization of the continental breakfast in middle-class Western households during the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Noted surface scratches and 'clouding' likely due to salt-induced tarnish or improper storage; no structural dents or thinning visible.
Value Estimate
$40–$85 for a single sterling piece; $15–$25 for silver plate. Value increases if part of a set with matching spoons.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Use a sulfur-free silver cream (like Wright's) immediately after use to prevent sulfur pits caused by egg yolk contact.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Christofle silver-plated egg cups or Gorham's 'Andante' pattern, though this piece lacks the specific banded decoration of those lines.
Interesting Facts
Silver egg cups became a symbol of status in the Victorian era because salt and sulfur in eggs tarnish silver quickly, requiring constant maintenance by staff.