Vintage Silver Plated Footed Rose Bowl Centerpiece with Repoussé Floral Motif
Hollowware - Rose Bowl / Centerpiece / Jardinière · Likely American or European mid-market manufacturer of silver-plated hollowware (e.g., Gorham, International Silver, or Oneida). The nomenclature 'A75' and 'Y194' suggest internal manufacturer serial or batch numbers rather than a famous master silversmith mark.
Pattern: Floral Repoussé Rose Pattern; many manufacturers produced similar 'Rose' patterns throughout the early to mid-20th century to capture the Romantic and Victorian revival aesthetics.
Type
Hollowware - Rose Bowl / Centerpiece / Jardinière
Maker
Likely American or European mid-market manufacturer of silver-plated hollowware (e.g., Gorham, International Silver, or Oneida). The nomenclature 'A75' and 'Y194' suggest internal manufacturer serial or batch numbers rather than a famous master silversmith mark.
Material
Silver Plated over base metal (likely nickel silver or britannia metal). The matte/oxidized appearance suggests Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with a possible tarnish-resistant or pewter-like finish treatment. Includes a glass or plastic protective liner.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter (excluding handles) and 6-7 inches in height. Weight is likely substantial (800-1200g) due to the base metal construction and the weight of the liner.
Description
This charming silver-plated rose bowl serves as a classic centerpiece, featuring a rich band of repoussé roses that encircle the vessel. The pedestal base provides an elegant lift, while the curved handles add a sense of movement and formality. Its deep bowl is perfectly suited for low-profile floral arrangements, and the inclusion of the original liner makes it a functional relic of mid-century entertaining etiquette.
Key Features
Deep-relief floral repoussé, trumpeted pedestal foot, acanthus-leaf handles, and the presence of the original protective liner.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over base metal (likely nickel silver or britannia metal). The matte/oxidized appearance suggests Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with a possible tarnish-resistant or pewter-like finish treatment. Includes a glass or plastic protective liner.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief Repoussé decoration featuring a continuous band of blooming roses and foliage. The finish is 'satin' or 'oxidized,' intentionally darkening the recessed areas to highlight the floral details. Features a pedestal foot (trumpeted) and twin C-scroll handles with acanthus leaf accents.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps 'A75' and 'Y194' indicate a manufacturer's model or inventory system. It lacks the 'Sterling' or '925' marks, confirming its status as Silver Plate. A maker's logo is likely present on the underside of the foot, though not visible in this angle.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction: the bowl is die-struck or pressed to achieve the repoussé effect, handles are cast and soldered, and the pedestal base is spun and attached to the bowl.
Functional Features
Includes a removable inner liner (possibly amber-toned glass or plastic) designed to hold water for fresh flowers without corroding the metal. The twin handles facilitate transport of the centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
Ornate silver-plated C-shaped handles with leaf-scroll thumb rests, soldered at two points (rim and bottom of bowl) for structural stability.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits good industrial craftsmanship. The repoussé is crisp and well-defined for a die-struck piece, and the handles are aligned symmetrically. The 'heavy' feel of the piece indicates a quality base metal.
Authentication Indicators
The 'A75' and 'Y194' markings are consistent with mass-produced silver plate cataloging. The solder joints are clean, and the weight distribution is typical for silver-plated britannia or nickel.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom. Mass-produced in a factory setting rather than a bespoke workshop, utilizing machine-assisted die-stamping for the floral band.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960) designed in the Late Victorian or Romantic Revival style. This era saw a high demand for ornate silver-plated table centerpieces for formal dining.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The style of the 'A75' alphanumeric coding and the specific 'satin' finish depth are consistent with post-WWII silver-plated hollowware production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war trend of 'accessible luxury,' where middle-class households used silver-plated items to emulate the formal dining traditions of the aristocracy at a fraction of the cost of solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Very Good Condition. The silver plating appears intact with no visible 'bleeding' of the base metal. Some light surface oxidation and tarnish are present, which actually enhances the depth of the floral pattern. The liner appears to be in good order.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Value is primarily decorative; silver-plated items do not hold significant melt value like sterling, but complete pieces with original liners are sought after by vintage decor enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for the recessed floral areas. Avoid abrasive dips which can strip the thin silver layer. Store in a dry environment with the liner removed to prevent moisture trapping.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Rose Bowls (solid silver, much higher value); Gorham 'Buttercup' or 'Strasbourg' plated hollowware; Towle floral centerpieces.
Interesting Facts
Rose bowls were essential to 'Modern Dining' in the mid-century; they were designed specifically for short-stemmed flowers (like roses) so that guests could see each other across the table without a tall bouquet obstructing the view.
Notes
A75Vintage Silver Plated Rose Bowl Centerpiece Floral Repoussé & Liner A75 Y194