Edwardian Style Silverplate Trumpet Vase with Wirework Flower Frog
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Trumpet Vase) · Likely American or British commercial manufacturer such as Benedict, Poole, or Leonard. These marks are typically found on the underside of the base. Lack of prominent visible sterling hallmarks suggests a mass-market silverplate maker from the early-to-mid 20th century.
Pattern: Repoussé Scroll and Floral Border. This is an generic ornate pattern common in the early 20th century designed to emulate high-end sterling patterns like Kirk Steiff or Baltimore Rose.
Type
Hollowware (Bud Vase / Trumpet Vase)
Maker
Likely American or British commercial manufacturer such as Benedict, Poole, or Leonard. These marks are typically found on the underside of the base. Lack of prominent visible sterling hallmarks suggests a mass-market silverplate maker from the early-to-mid 20th century.
Material
Silver Plated (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper or nickel alloy coated in a thin layer of silver. The circular flower frog insert is made of base metal wire.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8-10 inches. Estimated rim diameter: 3.5 inches. Relatively light weight due to hollow construction and thin plating, likely between 200-400 grams.
Description
This silverplated trumpet vase exemplifies the decorative table settings of the early 20th century. Featuring an elegant flared body rising from a weighted pedestal, it is accented by ornate high-relief borders of flowers and scrolls. A rare preserved feature is the original wire-grid flower frog, which allows for precise floral composition. Its tall, slender profile was intended to add vertical interest to a dining table without obstructing the view of guests.
Key Features
Removable wire flower frog insert; heavily embossed repoussé borders; flared trumpet shape; weighted pedestal for stability.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper or nickel alloy coated in a thin layer of silver. The circular flower frog insert is made of base metal wire.
Finish & Decoration
High polish trumpet body with cast repoussé borders on the rim and pedestal base. The decoration features scrolled acanthus leaves and floral clusters in a Neo-Rococo style. The interior of the rim shows a matte finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the photo; likely located on the bottom. Expected marks would include 'Silverplate', 'EPNS', or a specific manufacturer's logo and a catalog production number.
Construction Details
Multi-part assembly. The trumpet body is die-struck or spun from sheet metal and soldered to a weighted or cast pedestal base. The flower frog is a separate removable wire grid insert.
Functional Features
Includes a removable flower frog (wire grid) at the top to secure individual stems for floral arrangement. The narrow neck is designed for smaller bouquets or single-stem displays.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present. The smooth, tapered body serves as the primary grip for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
The repoussé is likely machine-pressed rather than hand-chased. The join at the base is clean, but the plating has worn thin on the high points of the floral design, revealing a yellowish base metal.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of visible 'Sterling' hallmarks on the rim and the specific duller grey luster indicate silverplate rather than solid silver. The visible seam lines in the casting are consistent with mass-produced plated hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom. Produced via industrial silver-plating methods common in manufacturing hubs مثل Birmingham (UK) or Meriden, CT (USA).
Era & Period
Edwardian Revival/Early 20th Century (1910-1940). The design utilizes Victorian-era floral motifs combined with the sleek trumpet silhouette popular in more modern dining settings.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1950. The wear patterns on the plating and the style of the wire frog suggest a mid-century or earlier production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining aesthetics, where the middle class could afford ornate silver-looking centerpiece items through advances in electroplating technology.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) on the rim decoration suggests frequent polishing. Moderate tarnish and minor surface scratching. Some discoloration inside the trumpet from water exposure. The wire frog shows slight oxidation.
Value Estimate
$25 - $45 USD. Value is held mostly in its decorative utility rather than metal content; sterling examples of similar size would range from $150 - $400.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that strip the thin silver layer. Dry thoroughly after use with water to prevent pitting of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by S. Kirk & Sons (much more valuable, marked 'Sterling'); weighted sterling vases by Gorham (thinner silver over resin); modern nickel-plated reproductions.
Interesting Facts
Vases of this type were frequently given as wedding gifts or bridge prizes in the 1920s and 30s. The 'flower frog' name comes from the way the device sits in or on the water like a frog in a pond.