Unattributed Sterling Silver Small Lidded Bowl or Urn
Hollowware - Small Lidded Bowl or Container · Unknown Silversmith or Manufacturer, likely American or European mid-20th century production based on the modern circular brushing and minimal profile.
Pattern: Modernist or Minimalist plain utility line, without a formal named collection or pattern.
Type
Hollowware - Small Lidded Bowl or Container
Maker
Unknown Silversmith or Manufacturer, likely American or European mid-20th century production based on the modern circular brushing and minimal profile.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade European silver, though silver plate (EPNS) cannot be ruled out without close inspection of the base hallmarks.
Dimensions
Estimated small scale: approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 2 inches in height, typical of a trinket box, individual sugar bowl, or salt cellar.
Description
A sleek, minimalist lidded hollowware piece consisting of a rounded, footed bowl and a matching shallow circular lid. The exterior exhibits a bright mirror polish, while the interior displays visible concentric spin lines from the manufacturing process. Its restrained form makes it versatile as a desk accessory, trinket holder, or modernist tableware accent.
Key Features
Concentric spin-marks on the interior contrasting with a brilliant mirror polish on the exterior, clean unadorned surfaces, and a simple stepped foot rim.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade European silver, though silver plate (EPNS) cannot be ruled out without close inspection of the base hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polished exterior with a contrasting concentric circular brushed (lathe-turned or spin-finished) interior surface. Utterly undecorated, reflecting a clean Mid-Century Modern or minimalist aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small stamped text or hallmark visible near the raised foot rim on the bottom left piece, though too small to resolve visually in the provided image.
Construction Details
Appears to be spun hollowware from a flat sheet of metal, featuring a raised circular foot ring soldered to the base and a closely fitted drop-in lid.
Functional Features
Two-piece lidded container featuring a simple bowl base and a matching loose lid, suitable for holding small dry items, mints, or vanity contents.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles or knobs; relies on the simple flush silhouette and lid lip for grip and removal.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean machine-assisted metal spinning showing uniform thickness, smooth edge finishing, and a securely attached foot rim.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of standard workshop or purity stamps near the foot ring would confirm metal content; spin lines suggest mid-to-late 20th-century manufacturing methods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Country of origin uncertain, potentially United States or Europe, utilizing industrial spinning techniques common in 20th-century silver workshops.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970) or contemporary design, characterized by unadorned geometric simplicity and functionalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the modern spin-finish style and construction methodology.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century design shift away from heavy ornamentation toward clean lines, functionalism, and industrial honesty in everyday objects.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with minor surface hairline scratches consistent with light handling and polishing, no major dents or structural damage visible.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $50 to $150 USD depending heavily on whether testing confirms solid sterling silver versus silver plate and the identity of the maker.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently with mild warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh abrasive pastes that could damage the mirror exterior and circular interior grain.
Similar Pieces
Small modern sterling bowls by Scandinavian designers or American firms like Gorham and International Silver.
Interesting Facts
Spinning metal on a lathe became a dominant manufacturing technique in the 20th century, allowing silversmiths and factories to produce perfectly symmetric hollowware rapidly.