Victorian Style Silver Plate Pedestal Sugar Bowl with Repoussé Floral Decoration
Hollowware - Sugar Bowl or Bonbonniere · Likely American or British, possibly Forbes Silver Co. or Taunton Silverplate. Mid-tier manufacturer with high-output floral patterns.
Pattern: Elaborate Victorian Florals; features high-relief rose and leaf scroll patterns consistent with late 19th-century eclecticism.
Type
Hollowware - Sugar Bowl or Bonbonniere
Maker
Likely American or British, possibly Forbes Silver Co. or Taunton Silverplate. Mid-tier manufacturer with high-output floral patterns.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or white metal). Visible brassy/yellowish undertones in areas of heavy tarnish suggest copper-based alloy (EPNS).
Dimensions
Estimated height 12-15cm (5-6 inches), diameter 10cm (4 inches). Weight approximately 300-450g due to cast base and thick plating.
Description
An ornate Victorian-era silver-plated sugar bowl featuring a high-relief floral repoussé design. The piece stands on a flared, lobed pedestal base with matching floral motifs. Two decorative handles are gracefully attached with foliate joinery. The piece shows significant age-related tarnish, creating a dark patina that highlights the depth of the floral casting.
Key Features
Elaborate repoussé floral body, lobed pedestal base, cast scroll handles, and heavy Victorian ornamentation.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or white metal). Visible brassy/yellowish undertones in areas of heavy tarnish suggest copper-based alloy (EPNS).
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing. Decoration includes floral swags, acanthus scrolls, and rocaille elements. Heavily oxidized/tarnished surface with a polished rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks likely located on the underside of the pedestal base; expected marks would include 'E.P.N.S', a manufacturer's pictorial logo, and a production number.
Construction Details
Composite construction featuring a spun bowl joined to a cast pedestal base and handles. Heavily applied decorative elements are die-stamped and soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Twin bail-style handles for easy transport. Wide open rim suggests use for cubed sugar or candies. Stepped, weighted pedestal for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Two cast ornate handles with thumb-rests, featuring scroll and floral motifs. Soldered securely to the shoulder of the bowl with integrated decorative foliage.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck and cast components with hand-finished soldering points. High-quality decorative execution but produced via industrial manufacturing processes.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic heavy tarnish of 19th-century plating; casting seams visible on handles; style aligns perfectly with mass-produced silver plate of the 1890s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North America (USA) or England (Sheffield/Birmingham). Mass-produced using industrial silver-plating techniques popular in the late 19th century.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Aesthetic Movement Era (c. 1880-1900). Stylistic fusion of Rococo Revival and naturalistic floral themes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1905. Based on the complexity of the scrollwork and the casting quality of the handles.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal tea culture of the late 19th century where a complete tea service was a primary status symbol in the middle-class home.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. Significant heavy tarnish and oxidation across the body and base. Some 'bleeding' of the base metal may be present under the tarnish. Mechanical structure appears sound.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $65.00 USD. Value is largely decorative; silver-plated items from this era without a premium maker like Tiffany or Elkington have modest resale value.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, followed by a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid aggressive scrubbing to preserve the thin silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham silver plate hollowware, Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' silver plate, or Middletown Plate Co. floral pieces. Differ in hallmark and specific flower species depicted.
Interesting Facts
During the Victorian era, silver-plated hollowware became affordable for the middle class, leading to a 'more is more' design philosophy to mimic the luxury of solid sterling.