Late Victorian Silver Plate and Brass Overlay Sugar Bowl with Pickle Castor Fork
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Open Compote) with Associated Flatware Fork · Unknown manufacturer; likely an American silver plate firm such as Wilcox Silver Plate Co. or Meriden Britannia Co. late 19th-century mass producers.
Pattern: Unidentified floral pattern featuring brass overlay or 'Aesthetic Movement' mixed metal style; likely a non-catalog standard production item.
Type
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Open Compote) with Associated Flatware Fork
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; likely an American silver plate firm such as Wilcox Silver Plate Co. or Meriden Britannia Co. late 19th-century mass producers.
Material
Silver plate on copper or nickel silver base with applied brass/gold-wash decorative overlay. The fork appears to be a separate cast white metal or silver plate piece.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-5 inches in height, 4 inches in diameter. Weight approximately 150-200 grams; light due to hollowware construction.
Description
A charming example of Victorian-era table service featuring a flared silver-plated bowl. The piece is distinguished by its unique gold-toned floral overlay, which provides a striking contrast against the silver body. It is paired with an ornate silver-plated fork typical of pickle castor sets, reflecting the era's obsession with specialized dining utensils.
Key Features
Two-tone mixed metal appearance; flared rim; pedestal base; associated Victorian novelty fork; tag identifies it specifically in a retail context.
Material & Composition
Silver plate on copper or nickel silver base with applied brass/gold-wash decorative overlay. The fork appears to be a separate cast white metal or silver plate piece.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polished silver body with etched and applied brass-colored floral and leaf motifs. Decorative fork features an ornate, pierced Victorian scroll-work handle. High Aesthetic Movement influence.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in image; likely stamped on the bottom with 'Silver Plate,' 'Quadruple Plate,' or a maker's mark like 'EPNS' and a company logo.
Construction Details
Spun metal bowl body with a die-struck or soldered pedestal foot. The floral decoration is likely an applied thin foil overlay or etched brass gilding.
Functional Features
Open flared rim for sugar cubes or condiments; integrated pedestal for stability. Accompanied by a pickle castor fork used for retrieving preserved items.
Handle & Grip Details
Bowl is handle-less (open form). Fork features a cast ornate handle with a lobster-claw or scroll motif for easy grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the bowl shows evidence of machine spinning (turning lines) rather than hand-hammering, typical of the late 19th-century transition to mass production.
Authentication Indicators
Construction style (spun base), patina consistent with silver-on-copper/nickel, and period-specific tag information. 'Quadruple Plate' was a common marketing term of this era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom. Mass-manufactured via industrial plating and metal spinning processes common in the Midwest US or Birmingham, UK.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Aesthetic Movement (c. 1880-1900). Stylized by the use of mixed metal aesthetics and nature-inspired floral motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1910 based on the decorative overlay style and the specific tag identifying a 'pickle castor fork.'
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian 'cult of the table,' where every food item required a specific vessel and tool, highlighting the host's wealth and social awareness.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Visible surface scratches and moderate tarnish. Some wear to the brass overlay and minor spotting (plate loss) on the interior rim. Fork is heavily tarnished.
Value Estimate
$20 to $40 USD for the pair. The price tag of $26 shown in the photo reflects a standard antique mall valuation for silver-plated items of this quality.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid hard scrubbing to prevent wearing through the thin silver plating and brass foil.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield Plate creamers (older, heavier), Gorham mixed metal masterpieces (vastly more valuable), or standard American 'Quadruple Plate' jam jars.
Interesting Facts
In the Victorian era, 'pickle castors' were often elaborate glass jars in silver frames; this small bowl may be a 'waste bowl' or sugar holder used alongside such a set.