Victorian Style Silver-Plated Wine or Champagne Cooler by Sheridan Silversmiths
Hollowware - Wine Cooler / Champagne Bucket · Sheridan Silversmiths, founded in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1946. They were known for producing high-quality silver-plated hollowware following the traditions of famous Taunton makers like Reed & Barton and Poole Silver Co. Sheridan was eventually acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 20th century.
Pattern: Traditional Neo-Classical / Victorian Revival style. The piece does not belong to a named flatware pattern but follows standard mid-20th-century luxury hollowware designs favored by Sheridan for their 'Silver on Copper' lines.
Type
Hollowware - Wine Cooler / Champagne Bucket
Maker
Sheridan Silversmiths, founded in Taunton, Massachusetts, in 1946. They were known for producing high-quality silver-plated hollowware following the traditions of famous Taunton makers like Reed & Barton and Poole Silver Co. Sheridan was eventually acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 20th century.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver on Copper. The yellowish tint visible in areas of wear suggests a copper or brass base metal. The item is likely marked 'Silver on Copper' or 'E.P.N.S.'
Dimensions
Estimated height of 10-12 inches, with a diameter of approximately 9 inches. Weight is substantial, likely 3-5 lbs, due to the base metal and heavy silver plating.
Description
A stately silver-plated wine cooler featuring a classic campana shape. The vessel exhibits a bright, reflective surface that enhances its formal presence. The ornate, cast-scrolled handles provide a sophisticated contrast to the smooth, elegant curves of the body. Supported by a sturdy stepped pedestal base, this piece is an excellent example of American mid-century silver-plated hollowware designed to bring a touch of European grandeur to the suburban American dining room.
Key Features
Flared 'campana' rim, ornate foliate cast handles, stepped pedestal foot, and its construction as a heavy silver-on-copper piece which gives it a distinctive 'antique' feel when the base metal begins to show (bleeding).
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver on Copper. The yellowish tint visible in areas of wear suggests a copper or brass base metal. The item is likely marked 'Silver on Copper' or 'E.P.N.S.'
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with applied cast scroll and foliate handles. The form is a classic campana (bell) shape with a flared rim and a stepped, weighted pedestal base. The decoration is restrained compared to authentic Rococo pieces, focusing on the ornate handles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely bears the Sheridan hallmark: an 'S' inside a shield with a crown above it, accompanied by 'Silver on Copper' or 'EPNS'. These marks are typically located on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Spun body with a flared rim. The handles are cast separately and soldered to the body. The pedestal base is often hollow but may be reinforced with a lead or resin weight for stability.
Functional Features
Wide flared top for easy access to ice; twin heavy handles for transport when filled; deep vessel designed to hold a standard 750ml bottle and ice.
Handle & Grip Details
Intricately cast acanthus leaf and scroll handles, characteristic of the 'Victorian Revival' aesthetic. They are securely soldered to the main body at two points on each side.
Craftsmanship Details
The spinning of the body is uniform, indicating high-quality industrial manufacturing. The soldering of the handles is clean, though the casting of the handles shows less detail than an 18th-century hand-chased piece would.
Authentication Indicators
The reflection shows a typical machine-polished surface of the mid-20th century rather than the irregular planishing marks of hand-wrought silver. The handle attachment and 'orange peel' texture inside the handle casting are consistent with Sheridan production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, once known as the 'Silver City' of the world due to the concentration of major silversmithing firms.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Victorian Revival (c. 1950-1970). While the style mimics the 19th-century Neo-Classical era, the manufacturing methods and maker place it in the American post-war boom of traditional dining luxury.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1975. The condition and specific handle design are typical of Sheridan's peak production years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American aspiration for formal entertaining. These pieces were essential for dinner parties and reflected the owner's status and adherence to traditional dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are visible surface scratches and some light tarnish near the handles. Possible 'bleeding' (copper showing through) at high points of the handles or base indicative of frequent polishing. No major dents are visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 depending on the amount of 'bleeding' and plate loss. Private sales usually sit at the lower end, while boutique antique shops may price at the higher end due to its decorative utility.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing the high points of the handles to prevent wearing through the silver plate to the copper base.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' or 'King Francis' wine coolers; Leonard Silver wine buckets; or English Sheffield plated coolers (which would typically have more complex chasing or gadrooned edges).
Interesting Facts
Sheridan products were often sold in high-end department stores like Macy's and Marshall Field's. They were a staple of mid-century wedding registries for families wanting the look of English sterling at a more accessible price point.