Modernist British Sterling Silver Circular Bowl or Tray
Hollowware (Bowl or Shallow Dish) · Unidentified British Silversmith (likely Birmingham or London workshop)
Pattern: Mid-Century Modern Plain / Minimalist Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Bowl or Shallow Dish)
Maker
Unidentified British Silversmith (likely Birmingham or London workshop)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 15-20 cm; Estimated weight: 200-350 grams (troy weight depends on gauge)
Description
A clean, minimalist sterling silver bowl featuring a highly reflective interior. This piece represents the post-war shift toward functionalism and simple geometric forms in British silver, moving away from the exuberant ornamentation of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Key Features
Characteristic British 'anchor' and 'lion passant' hallmarks; high-gloss mirror finish; crisp, unadorned rim line
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished finish, minimal decoration, plain edge with possible hidden engine-turning or hammer marks on the underside
Hallmarks & Stamps
Multiple hallmarks visible including a lion passant (Sterling), an anchor (Birmingham assay office), and a date letter (likely 'Y' for 1948 or 1973 based on shape) and a maker's mark (obscured)
Construction Details
Spun or raised from a flat sheet of sterling silver with a finished rolled or applied edge; machine-polished to a high luster
Functional Features
Wide, shallow basin for service or display; non-weighted base structure
Handle & Grip Details
None; rim-grip design typical of modernist circular hollowware
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine finishing with clear hallmark strikes; evidence of a consistent, professional polish and uniform silver gauge
Authentication Indicators
Deeply struck hallmarks consistent with Sheffield or Birmingham machine-stamping; correct color-tone for .925 silver; wear patterns suggest light domestic use
Origin & Manufacturing
England (Birmingham or London), likely a factory-produced piece for retail in the mid-20th century
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1975)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1975 based on the style of the date letter and the minimalist aesthetic
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Utility' and post-war austerity design movements that prioritized material purity over decorative excess
Condition Notes
Very Good condition; some surface micro-scratching and light tarnish visible; no major dents or repairs apparent in the reflection
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD depending on final weight and identification of the specific maker
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cotton cloth and premium silver cream; avoid abrasive dips; store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent sulfide tarnish
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' hollowware; Georg Jensen 'Bernadotte' (though Jensen is usually more stylized); Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' shallow bowls
Interesting Facts
During the post-war period, British silversmiths like those in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter focused on 'clean' designs to appeal to the modern household and export markets.