Mid-Century SEB French Stainless Steel or Silverplate Hollowware Component
Hollowware (Kitchenware Component) · SEB (Société d'Emboutissage de Bourgogne), France. Founded in 1857, SEB is a world-renowned household equipment manufacturer famous for the first pressure cooker (Cocotte-Minute).
Pattern: Industrial Production / Utilitarian Line; No specific named pattern is visible on this technical component.
Type
Hollowware (Kitchenware Component)
Maker
SEB (Société d'Emboutissage de Bourgogne), France. Founded in 1857, SEB is a world-renowned household equipment manufacturer famous for the first pressure cooker (Cocotte-Minute).
Material
Likely high-grade Stainless Steel or Silver-Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The luster and technical screw suggest an industrial kitchenware application rather than solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of the visible disc is 3-5 cm. Weight is likely light, approximately 15-30 grams for this specific section.
Description
This is a technical component of a metal vessel produced by the French giant SEB. It features the company's iconic mid-century branding and demonstrates the high-quality industrial stamping techniques for which the Burgundy-based company is famous. While not fine arts silver, it represents the evolution of French domestic metalwork into the modern era.
Key Features
Embossed 'ASEB' or Delta-SEB mark, industrial slotted screw housing, and precision-stamped edge.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade Stainless Steel or Silver-Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The luster and technical screw suggest an industrial kitchenware application rather than solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Brushed or satin-polished surface with minimal decorative intent; focus is on utilitarian durability. Features a modernist, sans-serif embossed logo.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Embossed 'SEB' logo preceded by a triangle (Delta) symbol. This is a 20th-century manufacturer's mark rather than a traditional precious metal hallmark.
Construction Details
Industrial die-stamping (indicated by 'Emboutissage' in the maker's name) and mechanical assembly using a slotted screw fastener.
Functional Features
Includes a central slotted screw, suggesting it is a part of a modular assembly such as a handle attachment, base, or lid knob for a professional kitchen vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
Mechanical attachment point; the screw suggests a removable or adjustable grip system commonly found in pressure cookers or large tureens.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing; the stamping is clean and deep, and the mechanical housing for the screw is perfectly centered, indicating specialized machine tooling.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed logo is consistent with legitimate SEB manufactured kitchenware from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Selongey, France (Burgundy region). Manufactured in a large-scale industrial factory setting specializing in stamped metal goods.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to contemporary (1950s-1970s). The typography of the logo reflects 20th-century industrial design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980 based on the sans-serif logo style and the type of machined screw head.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war modernization of the French kitchen, moving away from handcrafted copper and silver toward mass-produced, high-efficiency steel and plated goods.
Condition Notes
Good; showing age-appropriate surface scratches and some oxidation/grime buildup around the screw threads. Surface luster remains largely intact.
Value Estimate
$5 - $20 USD. As a single component of a larger utility item, its value is mainly as a replacement part or a minor collectible of French industrial history.
Care & Maintenance
If stainless steel, clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; if silverplate, use a mild non-abrasive silver cream such as Wright's. Avoid steel wool which will ruin the stamped logo.
Similar Pieces
Tefal vintage cookware or Christofle 'Hotel' line silverplate, which offer similar industrial-strength construction with higher-end finishing.
Interesting Facts
The SEB Group eventually acquired major brands like Tefal, Moulinex, and Rowenta, making it one of the largest small appliance manufacturers in the world.