Kaza Silver-Plated Industrial or Institutional Tureen or Vessel
Hollowware (Institutional/Industrial Service) · Kaza Silverware. Kaza was a significant manufacturer based in Greece, known for producing durable hotel-ware, institutional silver plate, and religious items for the Orthodox Church throughout the 20th century.
Pattern: Industrial Geometric; standard institutional production with no specific pattern name. Likely produced for high-volume commercial use.
Type
Hollowware (Institutional/Industrial Service)
Maker
Kaza Silverware. Kaza was a significant manufacturer based in Greece, known for producing durable hotel-ware, institutional silver plate, and religious items for the Orthodox Church throughout the 20th century.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or Silver-Plated Brass. The 'KAZA' mark is traditionally associated with high-quality plating over heavy base metals to withstand commercial kitchen use.
Dimensions
Weight clearly stamped as 1700 grams (approx. 54.6 troy oz). The '26' may refer to a 26cm diameter or 2.6-liter capacity.
Description
A heavy-gauge institutional silver-plated vessel by Kaza. This piece is a hallmark of Greek industrial design, favoring weight and utility over intricate decoration. The surface shows the honest wear of decades of use in a professional setting.
Key Features
Explicit weight stamping in grams (ΓΡ. 1700), a uniquely Greek trait for commercial silver; heavy-gauge metal; and the characteristic Kaza manufacturer logo.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or Silver-Plated Brass. The 'KAZA' mark is traditionally associated with high-quality plating over heavy base metals to withstand commercial kitchen use.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish with significant surface wear. It lacks decorative chasing or engraving, emphasizing a functional, utilitarian Modernist or Brutalist industrial aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '26' (likely a size or model number), 'KAZA' inside a scalloped oval with 'SILVER' or 'PLATED' below (partially obscured), and 'ΓΡ. 1700' representing the weight in grams (Grammatia 1700).
Construction Details
Industrial spun or die-stamped construction with a heavy, rolled rim. The thickness indicates a reinforced structure designed for heavy-duty heat retention and durability.
Functional Features
Plain vertical wall design suggest a tureen body, ice bucket, or large vegetable server. The thick walls suggest it was designed to hold temperature.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in frame; based on the weight and type, any handles would likely be cast or thick-gauge strap handles soldered with industrial-grade silver solder.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry is machine-perfect, but the finishing was likely done by hand on a polishing lathe. Built for durability rather than artistry.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, authentic factory stamps. The use of the Greek abbreviation 'ΓΡ.' for weight is a definitive regional indicator. The deep stamping is consistent with heavy-duty silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Athens, Greece. Kaza is one of the most recognized Greek names in 20th-century silver-plated hollowware.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Modernist/Industrial era, c. 1950-1970).
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The font of the 'ΓΡ.' (GR) weight stamp and the '26' suggest mid-century production methods.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war industrialization of the Greek hospitality and church service industry, bridging the gap between traditional silver-smithing and modern mass production.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Extensive surface scratching (scuffing) from industrial cleaning. No deep dents visible in the crop, but the plating may be thin in high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
$80 - $150 USD. The value is driven by its weight and historical manufacture rather than precious metal content, as it is silver-plated rather than solid sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Due to its industrial nature, it can be used frequently, but avoid harsh scouring pads which will strip the remaining silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Christofle Hotel or WMF Hotel-line pieces. Unlike French or German counterparts, Kaza pieces typically feature explicit gram-weight stamps on the exterior.
Interesting Facts
Kaza pieces are often found in historic Greek hotels and monasteries. They are highly valued by collectors of Greek industrial history due to their 'indestructible' build quality.