Swedish Silver Bowl or Tankard Lid Inset with Carl XIV Johan Medal
Hollowware (Bowl or Tankard Lid) · Unknown Swedish Silversmith (likely Stockholm assay office)
Pattern: Commemorative Royal Numismatic Inset Hollowware
Type
Hollowware (Bowl or Tankard Lid)
Maker
Unknown Swedish Silversmith (likely Stockholm assay office)
Material
Standard Swedish Silver (.830 or .925 purity typical for the era)
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of central medallion is approximately 4 to 5 cm, set within a larger hollowware vessel component approximately 15 to 20 cm in diameter.
Description
An intriguing antique Swedish silver hollowware component, featuring a prominent central inset coin or medallion depicting King Carl XIV Johan of Sweden and Norway in profile. The surrounding text reads 'CARL XIV SVERIGES NORR. GO. V. KONUNG'. The surface displays concentric circular stepped moldings and numerous vintage scratch-testing marks, emphasizing its long history and precious metal verification over the centuries. The rich patina and historical numismatic integration make it a classic piece of Scandinavian royal memorabilia.
Key Features
Central inset royal profile medallion of King Carl XIV Johan, stepped circular repoussé rings, and historical assay scratch marks.
Material & Composition
Standard Swedish Silver (.830 or .925 purity typical for the era)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish featuring a central inset commemorative coin or medal medallion with the profile portrait of King Carl XIV John of Sweden and Norway, surrounded by concentric circular stepped rings and radial scratch test marks characteristic of antique testing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not fully visible in the provided image, but typically Swedish silver features town marks, three crowns purity stamp, maker initials, and annual date letters.
Construction Details
Raised and spun silver sheet metal with a separately struck or cast commemorative medallion inset and soldered into the center of the stepped circular panel.
Functional Features
Serves as the decorative center panel of a ceremonial bowl or the hinged lid of a Scandinavian silver tankard.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A for this specific component view.
Craftsmanship Details
Traditional hand-raised or spun Scandinavian silver construction with precise bezel-setting of the central commemorative medal.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period coin/medal inset with correct typography and royal portrait iconography of King Carl XIV Johan, consistent with 19th-century Swedish silversmithing practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sweden (likely Stockholm or Gothenburg), crafted by a traditional Scandinavian silversmith.
Era & Period
Early 19th Century / Neo-Classical / Bernadotte Period (c. 1818-1844)
Age Estimate
Circa 1820-1850, corresponding to the reign of Carl XIV Johan (Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte) or shortly thereafter.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the strong patriotic sentiment and loyalty to the newly established Bernadotte dynasty in 19th-century Sweden, often incorporated into presentation silver and civic plate.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with expected surface wear, scratches, minor dings, and historic testing scratch lines across the silver surface. The patina is untouched and original.
Value Estimate
Moderate to high collector value depending on the complete form (whether part of a full tankard or large presentation bowl) and clear maker's hallmarks, typically ranging from $800 to $2,500 USD at specialized auctions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and specialized silver polish only when necessary to preserve the historic patina and avoid damaging the inset medallion.
Similar Pieces
Swedish coin-inset tankards, parcel-gilt presentation beakers, and commemorative royal bowls from the early 19th century.
Interesting Facts
King Carl XIV Johan was originally Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a French Marshal under Napoleon who was elected Crown Prince of Sweden and founded the current Swedish royal dynasty.