Leonard Silverplate Pedestal Bowl or Trophy Cup Base, Style 175
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl or Compote) · Leonard Silver Manufacturing Co., founded in Chelsea, Massachusetts (1969). Known for mass-producing accessible silver-plated hollowware and giftware before being acquired by Towle Silversmiths in 1978.
Pattern: Generic Neoclassical Style, Item Number 175. This is a standard production piece rather than a named fine-art collection.
Type
Hollowware (Pedestal Bowl or Compote)
Maker
Leonard Silver Manufacturing Co., founded in Chelsea, Massachusetts (1969). Known for mass-producing accessible silver-plated hollowware and giftware before being acquired by Towle Silversmiths in 1978.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely brass or copper). The yellowish-red tint appearing through the wear on the base indicates the base metal is copper-rich brass.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter at the base; weight is likely 200-400 grams depending on whether the base is weighted with pitch/cement.
Description
This is the underside view of a silver-plated pedestal vessel produced by Leonard Silver. While designed to emulate the classic weight and sheen of fine sterling, this piece is a commercial grade item intended for the giftware market. The tiered base provides a sturdy foundation, while the circular stamp confirms its mid-century manufacturing lineage and style number.
Key Features
Diamond-shaped Leonard 'L' logo; '175' style stamp; visible base metal 'bleeding' indicating thin electroplating; machine-turned concentric circles on the bottom.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely brass or copper). The yellowish-red tint appearing through the wear on the base indicates the base metal is copper-rich brass.
Finish & Decoration
Originally mirror-polished silver plate; currently socialized by heavy oxidation and 'bleeding' (base metal showing through). Features a simple rolled edge and tiered pedestal base in a simplified Georgian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside features a diamond-shaped logo containing a 'L' for Leonard, frequently accompanied by 'MADE IN HONG KONG' or 'MADE IN INDIA'. Below the logo is the style number '175'.
Construction Details
Machine-spun hollowware. The tiered circular base is formed by spinning metal on a lathe over a chuck. It is mass-produced using semi-automated factory processes.
Functional Features
Includes a flared pedestal foot for stability. Many Leonard pieces of this era were designed as 'revere-style' bowls or small compotes for nuts, candies, or decorative display.
Handle & Grip Details
The base shown suggests a stem-mounted bowl; if this is a trophy cup, handles would typically be C-scroll or harp-shaped cast metal attached with solder.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade machine spinning. The stamp is slightly off-center and the finishing on the interior of the foot is left rough, typical of mass-produced export silverplate.
Authentication Indicators
The 'L' in diamond mark is the primary identifier for Leonard. The lack of 'Sterling' or '925' marks clearly identifies this as plated giftware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Hong Kong for the Leonard Silver Manufacturing Company. This reflects the 1970s shift of American silver companies outsourcing production to Southeast Asia.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-to-Late 20th Century (Post-war mass production). It utilizes 'Traditionalist' design elements intended to mimic 18th-century English silver.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1980. The style of the stamp and the 'Hong Kong' manufacturing era align with the decade Leonard operated most aggressively before the Towle merger.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver luxury' in the 20th century, where silver-plated items became standard wedding gifts and household decor regardless of social class.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. Significant 'plate loss' where the silver has worn away to reveal the yellow brass beneath. Heavy tarnish (sulfide buildup) and surface scratches are present. Not suitable for food use in current state without replating.
Value Estimate
Market value is low, typically $2 to $10 in its current condition. The value is primarily decorative/utilitarian rather than as a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap first; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'dip' cleaners as they will further strip the already thinning silver plate.
Similar Pieces
May be confused with Gorham or Reed & Barton silverplate; however, Leonard is generally lighter and the '175' number is a specific Leonard catalog designation.
Interesting Facts
Leonard Silver was a major player in the 'Silver Boom' of the 70s, making silver-style luxury accessible to the average household through department store distribution.