Turkish %95 Purity Silver Two-Handled Sugar Bowl or Vase
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Small Vase) · Unknown Turkish Silversmith Workshop. The mark features an interlocking monogram or stylized floral shield typical of 20th-century Turkish regional production.
Pattern: Hammered Folk Tradition. Pattern involves a hand-hammered bulbous body with cast scrolling handles.
Type
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Small Vase)
Maker
Unknown Turkish Silversmith Workshop. The mark features an interlocking monogram or stylized floral shield typical of 20th-century Turkish regional production.
Material
950 Silver (95% pure silver, 5% alloy). This is a higher silver content than standard Sterling (.925), common in high-quality Middle Eastern and French silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 cm in height, 15 cm width across handles. Weight estimated at 250-350 grams based on gauge.
Description
An authentic Turkish hammered silver vessel featuring the high 95% silver standard. The piece exhibits a tactile, hand-hammered texture that catches light at various angles, contrasted by classic cast scroll handles. It serves as a testament to the enduring metalworking traditions of the region, blending utility with decorative folk art.
Key Features
High silver purity stamp (%95), hand-hammered body texture, and the unique calligraphic maker's mark on the underside.
Material & Composition
950 Silver (95% pure silver, 5% alloy). This is a higher silver content than standard Sterling (.925), common in high-quality Middle Eastern and French silver.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered (martelé) finish on the body with a polished interior base. Features oxidized tarnish from age. Style is traditional Ottoman-influenced folk silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '%95' indicating 950/1000 fineness. A maker's mark consisting of a stylized shield containing an 'S' and 'B' or similar calligraphic initials.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and hammered body from a single sheet of silver. Cast handles attached with silver solder. Mechanical evidence of a lathe-turned or planished base.
Functional Features
Double scroll handles for stable lifting. Bulbous body for maximum volume. Open top suggests a sugar bowl or small floral vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver handles with a scrolled thumb rest. Soldered directly to the body at two points. One handle shows slight deformation.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays 'honest' craftsmanship; the hammer marks are intentional and decorative. Handles are well-integrated, though the casting shows some porosity common in workshop-level production.
Authentication Indicators
The '%95' stamp is consistent with Turkish silver exports. Wear patterns on the bottom rim are consistent with age and use on hard surfaces. Solder joints show hand-finishing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Turkey. Significant centers include Istanbul and Izmir. Represents the Turkish tradition of high-fineness silver smithing.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-20th Century (Post-1950). Uses modern numerical percentage stamping rather than traditional Ottoman Tughra marks.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980. The stamping style and construction are indicative of mid-to-late 20th-century souvenir or domestic silver trade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the traditional Turkish tea and coffee culture where silver service pieces were essential components of hospitality and dowries.
Condition Notes
Good / Fair. Significant surface oxidation and tarnish throughout. Scattered pitting and surface scratches. The base shows some denting and one handle appears slightly misaligned.
Value Estimate
$200 - $350 USD, primarily driven by the silver weight and the high 950 purity standard.
Care & Maintenance
Requires hand polishing with a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid chemical dips as they may strip the desirable patina in the hammer marks.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 900 silver (Coin) or 800 silver (Continental). The 950 purity makes it rarer and more valuable in metal content than standard European exports.
Interesting Facts
In Turkey, silver higher than Sterling (.925) is often used for ornamental hollowware to signify status and provide a softer, more lustrous white finish.