Mid-Century Modern Style Oval Sterling Silver Bread Tray or Bowl
Hollowware (Tray/Bowl) · Unidentifiable from image; stylistically similar to Gorham, Tiffany & Co. or Jensen modern lines. High-quality mid-century american or scandinavian production.
Pattern: Minimalist Plain Pattern; likely a mid-20th-century staple collection, similar to the 'Puritan' line by Gorham or 'American Modern'.
Type
Hollowware (Tray/Bowl)
Maker
Unidentifiable from image; stylistically similar to Gorham, Tiffany & Co. or Jensen modern lines. High-quality mid-century american or scandinavian production.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity); visual evidence of heavy tarnish (sulfide) suggests solid silver or thick silver plate over nickel silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 inches length, 6-7 inches width; estimated weight between 250-400 grams (8-13 troy ounces) depending on gauge.
Description
An elegant, oval-form silver tray featuring a deep well and sweeping curves. This piece exemplifies 'The Machine Age' aesthetic where the beauty of the object is derived solely from its silhouette and the reflective quality of the metal itself rather than applied ornament.
Key Features
Seamless construction, heavy gauge silver, and a classic oval footprint that serves as a versatile staple in formal dining.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity); visual evidence of heavy tarnish (sulfide) suggests solid silver or thick silver plate over nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish beneath tarnish; minimalist undecorated surface typical of the organic modernism style period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in provided image; would typically be found on the underside center, likely including 'STERLING', a maker's mark (e.g., an anchor for Gorham), and a model number.
Construction Details
Likely spun or die-struck from a single sheet of silver; smooth rolled or finished rim typical of machine-assisted precision manufacturing.
Functional Features
Single-well hollowware design intended for serving bread, rolls, or as a decorative centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
None; integrated rim design allows for lifting at any point of the perimeter.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent precision in symmetry; the gauge appears thin enough for manageable weight but thick enough to resist warping during use.
Authentication Indicators
Surface oxidation patterns are consistent with genuine silver; the smooth curvature indicates high-end industrial pressing or spinning rather than lower-quality casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (Providence or New York) or Denmark; representative of the post-war industrial design movement in silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970); characterized by the absence of ornate Victorian or Edwardian engraving in favor of form and material.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the sleek, aerodynamic curvature and lack of traditional borders.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in the 20th century toward suburban entertaining and 'casual elegance' in the American middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; exhibiting heavy surface tarnish and oxidation. Possible light surface scratches beneath the tarnish; no visible major dents or catastrophic structural failure.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD depending on the weight (melt value) and the prestige of the maker's mark (e.g., Tiffany would double this estimate).
Care & Maintenance
Requires deep cleaning with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove heavy oxidation. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent re-tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' bread trays, Georg Jensen 'Vivianna' line, or Reed & Barton modern hollowware.
Interesting Facts
Pieces of this style were often marketed as 'tarnish-resistant' or 'easy care' because they lacked the intricate crevices of earlier floral patterns.