Italian Silver Plated Ruffled Rim Flower Pot (Porta Vaso Sheffield)
Hollowware (Flower Pot/Planter) · Unknown Italian manufacturer; labeled as 'Sheffield', which in Italy often refers to a style of silver plating (EPNS) rather than a specific maker from Sheffield, UK.
Pattern: Unspecified traditional Italian silver-plate pattern featuring a gadrooned 'rope' border and hammered texturing.
Type
Hollowware (Flower Pot/Planter)
Maker
Unknown Italian manufacturer; labeled as 'Sheffield', which in Italy often refers to a style of silver plating (EPNS) rather than a specific maker from Sheffield, UK.
Material
Silver Plated/EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely brass or nickel silver, coated with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-15 cm in height and 14-16 cm in diameter at the rim. Weight is approximately 400-600 grams depending on the thickness of the base metal.
Description
This is a charming silver-plated cachepot or flower pot holder designed in the Italian 'Sheffield' tradition. It features a bulbous lower body with rhythmic striking/hammering, cinched by a classic rope-twist border that leads to an elegantly ruffled, wide-flaring rim. The piece currently exhibits a heavy, dark tarnish known as 'patina' among some collectors, but it is essentially a functional decorative object intended to bring a touch of classic sophistication to a tabletop or garden room.
Key Features
Distinguished by its 'Porta Vaso' nomenclature, the 'martellato' (hammered) texture on the bottom half, and the classic twisted rope band divider.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated/EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is likely brass or nickel silver, coated with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and heavily tarnished surface with a hammered 'martellato' body, a hand-applied twisted rope (gadroon) wire around the midsection, and a ruffled/wavy rim reminiscent of Rococo revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No marks are visible in the image. Usually found on the underside, expected marks would include 'Italy', 'EP Zinc', or a silver-plate weight mark (e.g., 10 or 15). The tag explicitly identifies it as 'Sheffield', an Italian trade term for silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with a hand-applied decorative rope wire. The ruffled rim was likely formed using a manual flaring tool or hammer. Die-stamped textural patterns are visible on the lower hemisphere.
Functional Features
Wide opening for a flower pot insert; flared rim for easy lifting; watertight bowl construction. No drainage holes are visible, suggesting it serves as an ornamental cachepot.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the flared, ruffled rim serves as the primary grip point for movement.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial silver plate quality. While it features 'hand-finished' elements like the ruffled rim, it is largely a factory-produced piece intended for decorative utility rather than high-end investment.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Mercatino' sticker (a common Italian second-hand store chain) and the explicit 'Sheffield' designation on the tag match the visual style of mid-tier 20th-century Italian silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy. Labeled 'Porta Vaso Sheffield' indicating it was made for the Italian domestic market following the Italian tradition of imitating English silver plating techniques.
Era & Period
20th-century 'Sheffield Style' revival. While it mimics Georgian and Victorian motifs, the construction and labeling suggest a production date between 1970 and 1990.
Age Estimate
Late 20th Century, circa 1970-1990. The style of the inventory sticker and the wear patterns on the plating are consistent with modern vintage items.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Italian mid-to-late 20th-century affinity for classic English dining and gardening aesthetics, often used as gifts for anniversaries or household décor.
Condition Notes
Heavy tarnish and oxidation throughout; various surface scratches and small dings consistent with garden/floral use. No major structural cracks. Grading: Good (pre-polishing).
Value Estimate
The item is priced at €17.00. This is a fair market price for a secondhand shop; retail in a cleaned/antique shop state would range from €35.00 to €50.00.
Care & Maintenance
Requires hand polishing with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubs which may wear through the plating to the brass/nickel base. Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Vintage Valenti (Spain) or Leonard Silver (USA) silver-plated planters. These often feature smoother finishes or more ornate cast handles.
Interesting Facts
In Italy, the term 'Sheffield' is almost synonymous with quality silver-plated brass, stemming from the historical prestige of 18th-century Old Sheffield Plate, even if the modern item has no geographical tie to England.