Mid-Century Modern Silver Salt Cellar or Small Shallow Bowl
Hollowware / Salt Cellar / Small Dish · Unspecified manufacturer; classic minimalist production style common to Scandinavian, American, or European mid-20th-century silver makers.
Pattern: Plain / Minimalist Modernist Pattern
Type
Hollowware / Salt Cellar / Small Dish
Maker
Unspecified manufacturer; classic minimalist production style common to Scandinavian, American, or European mid-20th-century silver makers.
Material
Metal composition likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or Sterling Silver (.925); base metal is potentially brass or nickel silver if electroplated.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 5-8 cm (2-3 inches), height around 1.5-2.5 cm; weight approximately 20-50 grams depending on solid vs. plated metal thickness.
Description
A minimalist, circular small silver dish featuring a rounded interior basin and a clean, rolled outer lip. Void of surface chasing or engraving, it exemplifies the mid-century modern design ethos where clean geometry and material luster take precedence.
Key Features
Simple hemispherical geometry, turned rolled rim, plain unornamented interior, uniform circular profile.
Material & Composition
Metal composition likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or Sterling Silver (.925); base metal is potentially brass or nickel silver if electroplated.
Finish & Decoration
Smooth satin-to-semi-bright polished finish; plain undecorated circular form featuring a simple rolled rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in this top-down orientation. Stamps (such as maker's mark, 'STERLING', or silverplate symbols) are typically located on the underside base.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or deep-drawn metal body with a rolled or folded finished rim.
Functional Features
Open concave reservoir designed to hold table salt, spices, condiment dips, or small trinkets.
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-supported structure with no secondary handles or external grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality with precise machine symmetry, uniform wall thickness, and smoothly finished edge treatment.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetrical machine-spun concentric surface marks, standard rolled lip typical of mass-produced dining accessories, uniform metal thickness.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Western Europe or North America using industrial metal-spinning techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950s-1970s), characterized by functionalist, plain geometric design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the clean minimalist aesthetic and modern spun construction.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from ornate 19th-century dining accessories toward streamlined, utilitarian tableware during the post-WWII mid-century era.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches, faint pitting, and moderate localized golden-brown tarnish along the inner upper left rim.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 (if silver-plated); $30 - $75 (if solid sterling silver, based on weight).
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm water and mild dish soap. Remove tarnish using a soft cloth and a gentle silver cream such as Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
Similar Pieces
Mid-century silver salt cellars by Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Danish silver-plated condiments dishes by Hans Jensen or Carl M. Cohr.
Interesting Facts
Open salt cellars fell out of everyday popularity after the introduction of anti-caking agents in free-flowing table salt shakers during the early 20th century, making open cellars popular items for vintage reproduction and modern table accenting.