Silver-Plated Scalloped Footed Bowl by Benedict Mfg. Co. (A1000)
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Compote) · Benedict Manufacturing Company, East Syracuse, NY. Founded in 1894, they were most famous for 'Benedict Proctor' and 'Benedict Period' lines of silver-plated housewares.
Pattern: Style A1000; characterized by a simple scalloped or gadrooned rim and a circular pedestal foot.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Benedict Manufacturing Company, East Syracuse, NY. Founded in 1894, they were most famous for 'Benedict Proctor' and 'Benedict Period' lines of silver-plated housewares.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or brass). The yellowish hue strongly indicates significant plating wear (bleeding) exposing the base metal beneath.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter, 3-4 inches in height. Weight is likely approximately 400-600 grams depending on base metal thickness.
Description
An American silver-plated serving bowl featuring a classic scalloped rim and a pedestal base. While originally intended to mimic the luster of hallmark sterling, this piece has developed a warm golden patina as the silver layer has worn away to reveal the underlying brass. It represents a utilitarian piece of mid-century Americana hollowware.
Key Features
Scalloped 'pie-crust' rim; pedestal foot; 'A1000' model stamp; prominent base-metal bleeding.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or brass). The yellowish hue strongly indicates significant plating wear (bleeding) exposing the base metal beneath.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver plate with a scalloped/pie-crust rim edge. The interior of the base shows evidence of spinning and machine-applied plating. Features a simple, mid-century or late Art Deco aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Internal stamp 'A1000' inside the foot. This is a manufacturer production/catalog number rather than a silver purity hallmark. It lacks'Sterling' or '925' marks.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with a soldered pedestal foot. The circular ridges inside the foot are typical of industrial lathe spinning.
Functional Features
Raised footed base to elevate contents; scalloped rim for decorative appeal; suitable for fruit, bread, or centerpiece display.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a handleless bowl design. Grip is achieved via the diameter of the pedestal base.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial craftsmanship. Evidence of machine spinning in the foot and standard torch-soldering at the base-to-bowl junction. Lower-tier market quality.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' mark confirms it is plated. 'A1000' is a known Benedict Mfg Co catalog number. Heavy brassing is a definitive indicator of electroplated construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, East Syracuse, New York. Manufactured using industrial plating and spinning methods common in American silverplate factories of that era.
Era & Period
Middle 20th Century (circa 1930s-1950s). The design reflects a transition from Art Deco utility to Mid-Century mass production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1955. The 'A1000' numbering style is consistent with Benedict's mid-century cataloging.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'democratization' of silver in the American home, providing the look of luxury dining to the middle class through affordable electroplated alternatives.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant wear to the silver plating throughout (bleeding), revealing the brass/copper base metal. Tarnish and oxidation present around the solder joints. Surface scratches consistent with heavy use.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is decorative/utilitarian only; the silver content is negligible and the condition shows significant plating loss.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water only. Do not use heavy abrasive silver polishes, as the remaining silver plating is very thin and will be entirely removed, leaving only the brass color.
Similar Pieces
Gorham silver-plate bowls, Oneida 'Community' silverplate, or Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' patterns. The Benedict versions are generally considered lower-tier than Gorham or Tiffany plate.
Interesting Facts
Benedict Mfg. Co. went bankrupt in 1953, meaning all remaining pieces are at least 70 years old. They provided silver-plated service items for many hotels and railways during the early 20th century.