Mid-Century Modern Style Silver Plate Wine Goblet
Hollowware (Goblet/Drinking Vessel) · Likely a mass-market manufacturer such as Sheridan, Leonard, or International Silver Company. These pieces were frequently produced for the giftware and bridal markets in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Pattern: Generic Modernist or Tulipe pattern; these forms characterize the streamlined, non-ornamental 'Contemporary' lines popular from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Type
Hollowware (Goblet/Drinking Vessel)
Maker
Likely a mass-market manufacturer such as Sheridan, Leonard, or International Silver Company. These pieces were frequently produced for the giftware and bridal markets in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Material
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass or copper). The blueish-white luster and lack of tarnish in the image suggest electroplated silver (EPNS) or a highly polished chrome/nickel finish.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 6.5 to 7.5 inches. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams. This is a standard wine goblet size.
Description
This silver-plated wine goblet represents the 'Space Age' and Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of the mid-to-late 20th century. Eschewing the ornate floral patterns of the Victorian era, it features a clean, flared bowl and a slender, elegant stem. Its high-sheen finish provides a dramatic, mirror-like quality that was intended to bring a sense of affordable luxury to the suburban dining room.
Key Features
Minimalist tulip form, absence of ornamental borders, seamless construction between stem and bowl, and a high-reflective mirror finish.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass or copper). The blueish-white luster and lack of tarnish in the image suggest electroplated silver (EPNS) or a highly polished chrome/nickel finish.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish; undecorated and minimalist. The design relies on the silhouette and reflective surface rather than chasing or engraving, characteristic of the International Modern style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the underside of the base would include 'Silverplate', 'EP Brass', or a manufacturer's logo. The absence of a 'Sterling' or '.925' stamp strongly suggests silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-spun bowl with a cast or drawn stem. The seam between the bowl and stem is typically silver-soldered and buffed to a seamless appearance.
Functional Features
Tapered bowl designed to concentrate wine aromatics; thin stem to prevent hand heat from warming the liquid; weighted or flared base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral slender stem tapering into the bowl and base. The smooth surface provides a clean grip but is prone to visible fingerprints.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; well-balanced and symmetrical, but lacking the hand-hammered marks or unique variations found in artisan-crafted sterling silver.
Authentication Indicators
The visual weight and 'cool' blue tone of the reflection are typical of silver plate. A definitive check requires viewing the base for the 'Sterling' mark; without it, the item must be assumed to be silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United States, Japan, or India. By the late 20th century, much of this silver-plated giftware was produced in large-scale industrial factories.
Era & Period
Modernist / Post-War (c. 1960-1990). The 'tulip' shape is a direct evolution of the Scandinavian design influence that dominated 20th-century hollowware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1985 based on the streamlined silhouette and the quality of the electroplating.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of luxury in the 20th century, where silver-plated items allowed middle-class households to emulate the formal dining traditions of the aristocracy at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Based on the image, the piece is in Good to Very Good condition. There are visible surface micro-scratches and heavy fingerprinting. The rim appears even without significant denting or 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the plate).
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD for a single goblet; $40 - $60 for a set of four. Value is primarily decorative rather than intrinsic metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's only when tarnish appears. Avoid dishwashers, which will strip the silver plating over time.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Caviar' line, Gorham 'Contemporary' goblets, or vintage hotel-ware. These differ primarily in the weight of the base and the thickness of the plating.
Interesting Facts
Silver-plated goblets like this were commonly sold in sets of two or four as wedding gifts. In the 1970s, many companies offered these as 'non-tarnish' items by applying a thin lacquer coating over the silver.