Silver-Plated Footed Covered Sugar Bowl, Floral Relief Style
Tea Service, Hollowware (Sugar Bowl) · Likely mid-market American or British manufacturer such as International Silver, Oneida, or Barker-Ellis; identification requires base mark examination.
Pattern: Generic Neo-Rococo / Victorian Revival pattern featuring floral finials and scrolled feet; commonly produced for mass-market consumption.
Type
Tea Service, Hollowware (Sugar Bowl)
Maker
Likely mid-market American or British manufacturer such as International Silver, Oneida, or Barker-Ellis; identification requires base mark examination.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), likely base metal of brass or nickel silver. The high-gloss finish and visible wear patterns on the feet suggest electroplating rather than solid sterling.
Dimensions
Approximately 5-6 inches in height (including finial). Weight is likely substantial due to the dense base metal, typically 350-500 grams.
Description
This elegant silver-plated covered sugar bowl serves as a classic centerpiece for a formal tea service. The piece features a smooth, bulbous body that maximizes light reflection, contrasted by intricately detailed floral castings on the feet and lid. The design evokes the opulence of the Victorian era but is constructed with the durability of modern silver plate, making it suitable for both display and regular use.
Key Features
Tall floral finial; deeply cast floral-capped feet; high-mirror polish; heavy scroll handles with ornate thumb-grips.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), likely base metal of brass or nickel silver. The high-gloss finish and visible wear patterns on the feet suggest electroplating rather than solid sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Highly polished mirror finish with cast relief decoration. Features a floral-themed finial (resembling a rose or carnation) and four scrolled, floral-capped cabriole feet. Handles are C-scroll style with cast leaf ornamentation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the image but would likely be found on the underside of the base. Expect stamps such as 'E.P.N.S.', 'Silver on Copper', or a manufacturer logo like 'I.S.' (International Silver).
Construction Details
Machine-spun or pressed body with mass-produced cast components (handles, feet, finial) attached via soft solder or mechanical pins.
Functional Features
Removable domed lid with inner lip to sit securely on the bowl rim; dual handles for symmetrical presentation; footed base to protect table surfaces from heat.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow-cast silver-plated handles with scroll thumb-rests; floral finial grip on lid for easy lifting. Finial is attached with a central screw or solder.
Craftsmanship Details
Functional mass-production quality. The symmetry is excellent, though the floral details on the feet lack the crispness found in hand-chased silver. Solder joints are neatly blended.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of sterling hallmarks (like the word 'Sterling' or a Lion Passant) suggests a plated item. Surface luster is characteristic of electroplated nickel silver rather than the warmer glow of sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Most likely USA or United Kingdom. Produced using industrial electroplating processes developed in the 19th century and refined in the mid-20th.
Era & Period
20th Century Victorian Revival (c. 1940-1970). The design mimics 19th-century aesthetics but the manufacturing precision indicates modern mass production.
Age Estimate
Likely mid-20th century, circa 1950-1965, based on the style of the floral castings and the reflective quality of the plating.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century trend of 'Sunday Best' dining, where suburban households across America and Britain sought affordable luxury items that replicated the look of hereditary family silver.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows light micro-scratches consistent with polishing. There appears to be some minor tarnish in the crevices of the cast decoration. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver).
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD for a single piece; $100-$150 for a full matching tea set. Value is primarily decorative rather than intrinsic metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) only when tarnished. Avoid 'silver dips' as they can damage the plating and remove desired oxidation in the deep floral details.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Countess' or 'Camille' patterns; Oneida 'Du Maurier'. These offer similar floral and scroll aesthetics at a similar price point.
Interesting Facts
Sugar was once a luxury good, and ornate sugar bowls were designed to be 'show pieces' that demonstrated a family's status and hospitality during social tea ceremonies.