CGH Extra Prima Alpacca Silver Plated Bowl
Hollowware (Bowl) · CGH (Carl Gustaf Hallberg or similar Swedish metalware maker)
Pattern: Utility or serving hollowware line, mid-20th century production
Type
Hollowware (Bowl)
Maker
CGH (Carl Gustaf Hallberg or similar Swedish metalware maker)
Material
Alpacca (nickel silver base metal alloy containing copper, nickel, and zinc) with silver plating (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver)
Dimensions
Estimated medium serving bowl size, approximately 15 to 20 cm in diameter, weight typical of silver-plated base metal hollowware
Description
A classic mid-century Swedish silver-plated serving bowl featuring a clean, minimalist form. Stamped prominently on the interior floor with maker and material designations indicating European export and quality standards, this piece exhibits traditional utilitarian design with visible surface wear and characteristic tarnish coloration.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer and alloy stamps reading 'EXTRA PRIMA ALPACCA' and 'MADE IN SWEDEN', indicating a durable nickel silver base under the silver plate
Material & Composition
Alpacca (nickel silver base metal alloy containing copper, nickel, and zinc) with silver plating (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Polished interior and exterior surface showing circular lathe or directional finishing marks, plain undecorated utilitarian rim and basin
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped text reading "CGH EXTRA PRIMA ALPACCA E.P.M.S. MADE IN SWEDEN"
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun base metal form with electroplated silver coating
Functional Features
Open circular basin intended for serving food, side dishes, or as a decorative table centerpiece
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-formed bowl without handles or grips
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mid-century industrial manufacturing utilizing spun base metal forms and professional electroplating, prioritizing durability and affordability over hand-wrought luxury
Authentication Indicators
Clear stamped maker and material nomenclature typical of mid-century Swedish silverplate exports, including the designation of Alpacca (nickel silver) and EPNS
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Sweden by Swedish metalworking manufacturers utilizing traditional European electroplating standards
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1960s)
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1940-1960 based on stamp style and typography
Cultural Significance
Represents mid-century Scandinavian household dining traditions, where functional and affordable electroplated hollowware became staple items in middle-class homes
Condition Notes
Fair to good condition with visible surface scratches, moderate to heavy tarnish, and signs of age-related use, consistent with an unpolished vintage silver-plated utilitarian item
Value Estimate
Modest collector or secondhand market value ranging from $15 to $45 depending on overall condition and local demand
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild silver cream or specialized silver polish formulated for plated items, avoiding excessive scrubbing to preserve the thin electroplated silver layer
Similar Pieces
European silver-plated bowls and trays by makers such as C.G. Hallberg, MEMA, or Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB)
Interesting Facts
Alpacca, also known as nickel silver, german silver, or white metal, contains no actual silver in its core alloy but is widely used as a sturdy, corrosion-resistant base for high-quality silver plating