Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Mixed Metal Water Pitcher
Hollowware (Pitcher/Jug) · Unidentified manufacturer; possibly Heisler, International Silver, or a mid-century Italian workshop. The design echoes the sleek, functionalist aesthetic popular in the post-war era.
Pattern: Brutalist or Modernist Industrial Style; no specific pattern name visible, likely part of a line featuring brass or copper band accents.
Type
Hollowware (Pitcher/Jug)
Maker
Unidentified manufacturer; possibly Heisler, International Silver, or a mid-century Italian workshop. The design echoes the sleek, functionalist aesthetic popular in the post-war era.
Material
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass or copper, evidenced by the wear and exposed yellow-toned bands). It is not sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in height. Weight is likely substantial (800-1200g) due to the thick-walled construction and base metal core.
Description
An interesting example of mid-to-late 20th-century hollowware, this pitcher features a dramatic, oversized globular body that tapers into a wide, flared neck. The contrast between the heavily patinated silver surface and the ribbed brass bands provides a rustic, industrial aesthetic common in Mediterranean or American 'Modern' decor of the 1960s.
Key Features
Triple-ribbed brass bands, extremely wide globular lower body, and a flat-profile modernist handle.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on base metal (likely brass or copper, evidenced by the wear and exposed yellow-toned bands). It is not sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Heavily tarnished silver finish with two sets of applied decorative horizontal brass bands. The bands feature three concentric ridges each. The overall style is Mid-Century Modern with Brutalist leanings due to the heavy proportions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible in the image. Would typically be found on the underside of the base; likely stamped 'Silverplate', 'EPNS', or a manufacturer's logo/symbol.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with applied decorative bands and a die-cut flat handle soldered to the rim and the shoulder of the vessel.
Functional Features
Flared pouring spout, globular body for high volume capacity, and a flat-profile handle designed for a sturdy grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, strap-style metal handle. It appears to be an integral part of the design but offers poor ergonomics compared to rounded handles. Soldered at two points.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced quality. The soldering on the handle is functional but lacks the refinement found in high-end silversmithing. The decorative bands are utilitarian in their application.
Authentication Indicators
The color of the tarnish and the visible yellow metal bands indicate silver plate rather than sterling silver. The construction of the handle attachment is consistent with mid-market 20th-century production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or Italy. Typical of the mass-produced yet stylistically ambitious silver plate items sold in department stores mid-century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950s-1970s). The bulbous form combined with the industrial-style banding is characteristic of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the handle shape and the specific use of applied brass banding on a silver-plated vessel.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of silver from a formal, high-maintenance luxury to a more casual, decorative home accessory during the post-war economic boom.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is heavy, uneven tarnish/oxidation over the entire silver-plated surface. There is significant 'plate loss' or deliberate exposure of the brass bands. Minor surface scratches and pitting are visible.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Silver-plated items of this era have decorative value but low intrinsic precious metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Since it is plated, over-polishing will eventually remove the silver layer entirely, exposing the base metal beneath.
Similar Pieces
Similar to designs by Leonard Silver or Godinger, though the heavy banding suggests a more industrial-oriented small manufacturer.
Interesting Facts
Mixed-metal pieces like this were popularized as a way to blend traditional silver service with the warmer tones of wood and brass popular in 1960s interior design.