Towle Silversmiths Old Master Sterling Silver Bud Vase
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Floral Holder) · Towle Silversmiths (founded in 1690 as Moulton, officially Towle in 1882), Newburyport, Massachusetts. Towle is renowned for its high-quality American silver and iconic Neoclassical-revival patterns.
Pattern: Old Master pattern (introduced in 1942), featuring a distinct Victorian-inspired scroll and cord design. This is one of the most successful and enduring flatware and giftware patterns in American silver history.
Type
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Floral Holder)
Maker
Towle Silversmiths (founded in 1690 as Moulton, officially Towle in 1882), Newburyport, Massachusetts. Towle is renowned for its high-quality American silver and iconic Neoclassical-revival patterns.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted with cement or resin to provide stability for floral arrangements, which is standard for tall, narrow sterling hollowware of this era.
Dimensions
Standard height is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) with a base diameter of about 2.5 inches. Estimated weight is 150-250 grams (weighted).
Description
An elegant example of American mid-century silver, this Towle Old Master bud vase features a trumpet-shaped fluted body cinched by a charming ribbon-and-bow motif. The design balances the rigidity of the vertical lines with the fluidity of the rope-twist accents. It is a quintessential bridal gift or collector's accent piece that captures the romanticism of 18th-century design through a 20th-century production lens.
Key Features
The central 'tied cord' bow motif, the deep vertical fluting that draws the eye upward, and the specific Old Master rope-twist border on the base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted with cement or resin to provide stability for floral arrangements, which is standard for tall, narrow sterling hollowware of this era.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized satin finish with mirror-polished highlights. The piece features deep vertical fluting, an applied bow-and-ribbon (knotted cord) motif at the stem, and a rope-twist (beaded) border along the rim and base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped on the underside with the Towle logo (a large 'T' enclosed by a lion), followed by 'TOWLE STERLING', the pattern name 'OLD MASTER', and a reference number like '97x'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun body with die-struck decorative elements. The bow at the center is a separate casting or stamp applied to the fluted column. The base is rolled over a weighted core.
Functional Features
Flaring rim for floral spill, weighted base for tip-resistance, and a narrow column designed for a single stem or small bouquet.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Bud vase form requires no handles; the central ribbon knot serves as a tactile focal point).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The symmetry of the fluting and the crispness of the applied bow demonstrate Towle's superior die-stamping and finishing standards of the mid-20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Consistent pattern details of the 'Old Master' line; presence of the Towle lion-T hallmark (if viewed underneath); appropriate weighted feel versus solid silver wall thickness; correct level of oxidation in decorative recesses.
Origin & Manufacturing
Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA. Manufactured in the Towle factory using industrial silversmithing techniques combined with hand-finishing/polishing.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1960s). It reflects the 'Neo-Victorian' trend common in Mid-Century American homes that favored traditional patterns alongside modern furniture.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. The sharp definition of the fluting and the specific patina suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the peak of the 'American Sterling Era' when middle-class families sought complete sets of matching silver for formal entertaining and home decor.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows light micro-scratching consistent with age; some dark tarnish remains in the crevices of the fluting and bow (desirable for highlighting detail). The base appears level without significant dents.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD depending on current silver spot prices and buyer demand. Weighted pieces are valued for design rather than silver scrap weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash in warm soapy water. Use a non-abrasive cream polish like Wright's. Avoid submerging the weighted base in water as it can degrade the internal cement. Store in a tarnish-resistant bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Chantilly Bud Vase (less fluting, more floral engraving); Wallace Grand Baroque Bud Vase (more ornate, pierced base); Reed & Barton Francis I (heavy fruit motifs).
Interesting Facts
The Old Master pattern was designed by Harold E. Nock and became so popular that Towle expanded it from simple flatware to hundreds of hollowware items, including picture frames, bowls, and even electrical items.