Eldan Silver-Plated Creamer or Small Hollowware Vessel
Hollowware (Creamer/Sugar Bowl) · Eldan (Eldan Co., Inc.), a middle-market American brand based in New York known for importing and distributing silver-plated and stainless steel wares, often from Japan.
Pattern: Standard Mid-Century Plain Pattern (Undetermined specific pattern name, common for Eldan's utility hollowware lines)
Type
Hollowware (Creamer/Sugar Bowl)
Maker
Eldan (Eldan Co., Inc.), a middle-market American brand based in New York known for importing and distributing silver-plated and stainless steel wares, often from Japan.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or Silver Plate over Base Metal. Visible tarnish and surface texture suggest a thin silver layer over a copper or brass alloy base.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 3-4 inches; estimated weight: 150-250 grams based on typical creamer sizes.
Description
A classic example of mid-20th-century silver-plated hollowware, this Eldan creamer features a clean, unadorned silhouette that reflects the modernist trend of the era. The circular stamp on the base confirms its origin as a Japanese export intended for the American consumer market. While intended for daily use, its simple elegance has made such pieces popular among vintage kitchenware enthusiasts.
Key Features
Distinctive lowercase Eldan script logo and 'Made in Japan' designation which indicates post-1945 manufacturing.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) or Silver Plate over Base Metal. Visible tarnish and surface texture suggest a thin silver layer over a copper or brass alloy base.
Finish & Decoration
Plain, high-polish finish with no visible chasing or engraving; minimalist Mid-Century utilitarian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamped mark containing 'eldan' in lowercase script, 'MADE IN JAPAN', and likely 'EPNS' or 'SILVERPLATE'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun hollowware, commercially manufactured with mass-production soldering for the handle attachment.
Functional Features
Single pouring spout and flared rim; designed for serving cream or liquid condiments.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal handle, silver-plated, soldered to the body at two points (upper rim and lower belly).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced factory work. The solder joints are machine-finished, and the hallmark was die-stamped after the piece was formed.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly legible Eldan stamp consistent with mid-market 1960s imports; wear patterns match those of electroplated silver over base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Nishibun, Tsubame, or Tokyo, Japan; imported to the USA for sale by Eldan Co., Inc., New York.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The design and 'Made in Japan' mark are consistent with the post-WWII boom of imported silver-plate.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the Eldan hallmark style and country of origin mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from high-end sterling services to affordable, mass-produced silver-plated sets for the suburban post-war home.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and 'pitting' from oxidation. Probable 'plate loss' where the base metal might be showing through on high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
USD $10 - $25. Value is primarily decorative/utilitarian rather than investment-grade silver value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's; avoid abrasive sponges which will strip the thin silver plating. Store in a dry area to prevent further pitting.
Similar Pieces
Oneida, International Silver, and Reed & Barton silver-plated creamers from the same era; Japanese imports by Towle also share similar construction.
Interesting Facts
Eldan was a key player in bringing Japanese-made silver and stainless steel to the American middle class, capitalizing on Japan's rapid industrialization in metalworking after World War II.