Mid-Century Modern Spun Sterling Silver Small Bowl/Tapered Cup
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Drinking Cup) · Unknown Manufacturer (Likely American or Nordic Commercial Maker)
Pattern: Modernist Plain Revere-Style Variant; no specific collection pattern name identifiable without base marks
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Drinking Cup)
Maker
Unknown Manufacturer (Likely American or Nordic Commercial Maker)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The metal shows characteristic soft gray-white luster and surface oxidation consistent with high copper-content silver alloys.
Dimensions
Estimated 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in diameter; height approx 2.5-3 inches. Estimated weight: 80 to 120 grams if solid sterling.
Description
A classic example of mid-century minimalist hollowware, this bowl features a deep, tapered profile and a substantial rolled lip. The interior exhibits the soft patina of age, while the mechanical spinning process used to create it provides a uniform thickness and clean, symmetrical lines. This piece represents the post-war shift toward accessible, understated luxury in domestic silver.
Key Features
Concentric spinning marks on the base; high-relief rolled rim; lack of a weighted base; deep hemispherical body.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or Silver Plate (EPNS). The metal shows characteristic soft gray-white luster and surface oxidation consistent with high copper-content silver alloys.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Semi-matte interior finish with a polished rolled rim. The piece features no chasing, engraving, or applied decoration, adhering to the minimalist 'form-follows-function' aesthetic of the mid-20th century.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in provided top-down image. Expected marks on the exterior base would include 'STERLING' or '925' and a manufacturer's pictorial mark or name.
Construction Details
Machine-spun from a flat disc of silver. Concentric striations visible in the bottom interior indicate the piece was formed on a lathe over a wood or steel chuck.
Functional Features
Reinforced rolled rim for structural rigidity; tapered body for ergonomic grip. Intended for use as a finger bowl, nut dish, or small drinking vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; the wide-flaring rim serves as the primary grip point.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade machine-spun production. Quality is indicated by the evenness of the rolled rim and the lack of 'chatter marks' from the spinning tool on the interior walls.
Authentication Indicators
The color and texture of the tarnish are typical of sterling silver. The lathe marks in the center-point of the bowl are authentic to the manufacturing era's industrial methods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Scandinavia (Denmark/Sweden), where spun hollowware production was highly refined during the 1950s.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). Characterized by the lack of Victorian ornamentation and a focus on clean, geometric silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the spinning techniques and modernist profile.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Modernism for All' movement where high-quality materials (sterling silver) were adapted to simple, non-elitist designs.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows moderate micro-scratching constant with light use. A light 'yellowing' or golden tarnish is present, easily removable with polish. No visible deep dents or rim misshaping.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 USD (if Sterling) based on melt value plus collector premium; $15.00 - $30.00 if Silver Plate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; polish with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) using a soft microfiber cloth; avoid automated dishwashers which can pit the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Beaded' series (more ornate), Gorham 'Revere' bowls (similar but often weighted), or Tiffany & Co. modern barware.
Interesting Facts
Spun silver became popular because it used less labor than hand-raised pieces, making sterling silver hollowware more affordable for the growing middle class in the 1950s.