Vintage Grapevine Repoussé Silver Plate Coaster Set with Caddy
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Coaster Set) · Likely manufactured by an American or English silverplate specialist such as Leonard, F.B. Rogers, or Sheridan. These companies dominated the mid-20th-century market for ornate, functional silverplate entertaining accessories.
Pattern: Generic Victorian Revival Grapevine/Acanthus pattern. Such patterns were widely produced and remained staple designs for silverplate companies from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Coaster Set)
Maker
Likely manufactured by an American or English silverplate specialist such as Leonard, F.B. Rogers, or Sheridan. These companies dominated the mid-20th-century market for ornate, functional silverplate entertaining accessories.
Material
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver, EPNS). The base is a non-ferrous white metal alloy coated in a thin layer of pure silver. The caddy features solid metal rods with ball finials.
Dimensions
Coasters: approx. 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. Caddy: approx. 4.5 inches tall. Set weight is approximately 400-600 grams including the caddy.
Description
A charming and classic silver-plated coaster set comprising six to eight individual coasters housed in a matching minimalist caddy. The top face of each coaster is ornately decorated with a lush, embossed scroll and leaf pattern, providing a sophisticated Victorian aesthetic. The central vacant cartouche adds a touch of classic elegance, while the clean lines of the storage rack offer a balanced contrast, making it a perfect functional accessory for traditional barware or a formal coffee table.
Key Features
Decorative repoussé border; stackable design; central monogram plate; tripod-style retaining caddy with ball-top finials; reinforced rolled edges to prevent bending.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver, EPNS). The base is a non-ferrous white metal alloy coated in a thin layer of pure silver. The caddy features solid metal rods with ball finials.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut style engraving and repoussé decoration. The coasters feature a dense border of acanthus leaves and scrolling vines surrounding a central plain circular cartouche intended for monograms. The caddy has a polished mirror finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the underside of the coasters or the base of the caddy. Likely marks include 'Silver on Copper', 'EPNS', or a manufacturer's logo like the F.B. Rogers Crown or Leonard 'L'. No sterling hallmarks are visible.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped coaster discs with rolled edges. The caddy is assembled using machine-soldered joints for the vertical retaining rods and base plate. The decorative patterns are die-struck.
Functional Features
Stacking coaster design for space-saving storage; vertical retaining rods with ball finials to keep coasters aligned; raised rims on coasters to contain condensation from glassware.
Handle & Grip Details
The caddy features three vertical pillared rods that serve as handles/guides. These are made of solid plated metal with spherical ball finials for an ergonomic and decorative touch.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry is perfect, and the plating is evenly applied. While not a hand-wrought piece, it shows the high standards of 20th-century commercial silver manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform depth of the pattern indicates die-striking rather than hand-chasing. The weight-to-size ratio and the absence of a '925' or 'Sterling' mark strongly support its classification as silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (Taunton, Massachusetts) or Sheffield, England. These were the primary hubs for high-volume silverplate production during the 20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1950s-1970s) 'Victorian Revival'. This period saw a massive surge in the production of ornate silverplate that mimicked much older 19th-century Rococo and Baroque styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980. The crispness of the stamping and the style of the caddy are indicative of mass-market silverplate from the late mid-century era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII democratization of luxury, where middle-class households could afford 'silver' entertaining sets that emulated the aristocratic styles of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver plating appears intact with no immediate signs of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through). There is light surface tarnish and minor micro-scratching consistent with gentle use. No significant dents or structural deformations.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Values are primarily decorative; silverplate coasters are common on the secondary market but remain popular for their utility and classic look.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) once every few months. Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the thin silver plating. Store in a dry place to prevent 'pitting' from moisture.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver examples by Tiffany or Gorham (which would be much heavier and hallmarked); modern acrylic or wooden coasters (which lack the formal silver aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
Sets like these became essential wedding gifts in the mid-century suburban era, designed to protect wood furniture from 'sweating' cocktails—a trend popularized by the 'Mad Men' era of home entertaining.