Art Deco Style Fluted Sterling Silver Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a Pitcher, Vase, or Shaker body) · Unknown; demonstrates characteristics of mid-tier American manufacturers like Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver
Pattern: Generic Vertical Fluting / Art Deco Streamline
Type
Hollowware (likely a Pitcher, Vase, or Shaker body)
Maker
Unknown; demonstrates characteristics of mid-tier American manufacturers like Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate (EPNS)
Dimensions
Estimated height 15-25cm; body diameter 8-12cm; estimated weight 300-600g
Description
A sleek example of Art Deco hollowware featuring deep vertical flutes that create a play of light and shadow. The high-polish surface emphasizes the geometric regularity of the design, a hallmark of the machine-age aesthetic that moved away from Victorian floral ornamentation toward architectural form.
Key Features
Strong verticality, rhythmic fluting, and absence of surface engraving consistent with 20th-century modernism.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate (EPNS)
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished bright finish with vertical concave fluting
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in image; would typically be located on the underside of the base
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or machine-spun with vertical flutes pressed into the metal walls; machine-finished
Functional Features
Vertical ribbing provides structural rigidity to thin-walled silver and improves grip
Handle & Grip Details
None visible; likely a body section of a larger vessel
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-guided precision with high-quality buffing; edges of flutes appear crisp and uniform.
Authentication Indicators
Surface reflections indicate a true metal substrate rather than chrome; wear patterns suggest soft precious metal rather than stainless steel.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or England; factory-produced using hydraulic presses
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940) or Art Deco Revival (Late 20th Century)
Age Estimate
circa 1930-1950 based on Streamline Moderne aesthetic
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward functionalism and domestic modernism in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; surface shows fine micro-scratching (‘spider-webbing’) and minor vertical abrasions consistent with use; no major pitting or tarnish visible.
Value Estimate
$150 - $450 USD depending on size, maker marks, and silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Use non-abrasive silver cream; avoid mechanical buffers which can soften the crisp edges of the fluted ridges.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' hollowware or Tiffany 'Chrysanthemum' (which is much more ornate); this piece is more minimalist.
Interesting Facts
Fluted designs were popularized in the 1920s to mimic the skyscrapers emerging in New York and Chicago during the Art Deco movement.