Albuquerque Silver Co. Handmade Sterling Silver Tray or Dish, Model 914
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Plate, or Dish) · Albuquerque Silver Co., a localized Southwestern American workshop known for handcrafted silver goods produced in limited quantities during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Pattern No. 914; likely a minimalist or hand-hammered arts and crafts inspired design typical of small American regional workshops.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Plate, or Dish)
Maker
Albuquerque Silver Co., a localized Southwestern American workshop known for handcrafted silver goods produced in limited quantities during the mid-20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy likely consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, providing structural durability for a functional tray.
Dimensions
Estimated size: 8 to 12 inches in diameter. Estimated weight: 15–25 troy ounces depending on gauge. Standard size for a small service tray or bread plate.
Description
This Albuquerque Silver Co. tray is a quintessential example of mid-century regional American silver. It eschews the ornate floral patterns of the East Coast for a clean, hand-hammered aesthetic that emphasizes the material's natural luster and the maker's process. The script hallmark is charmingly executed, reflecting a period when small-scale workshops flourished by providing unique, handmade alternatives to industrial silverware.
Key Features
Signature cursive maker's mark, visible planishing (hammering) marks, and high-gauge silver content. The '914' model number is a specific diagnostic for this maker's hollowware line.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy likely consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, providing structural durability for a functional tray.
Finish & Decoration
Visible vertical planishing marks indicating a hand-wrought or hammered finish. Features a secondary textured surface with natural oxidation highlighting the recessed maker's mark.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece is stamped with the maker's name 'Albuquerque Silver Co' in a fluid script font, followed by the model number '914'. Note the absence of a 'Sterling' stamp in this specific close-up, though it is often found elsewhere on their work.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and planished from a flat silver sheet. The visible tool marks on the surface suggest artisanal manufacturing rather than high-volume machine stamping.
Functional Features
Functional flat surface for service; likely features a raised rim to contain contents. The heavy gauge silver used by this company ensures it is suitable for frequent use.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely rimless or integrated grip; most Albuquerque Silver Co trays from this series relied on the flared rim of the piece for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality hand-work. The depth of the planishing indicates a skilled smith. The striking of the mark is clear and follows the slight curve of the hand-beaten surface.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic hallmark alignment. The script font matches known examples from the Albuquerque Silver Co. archives. Surface texture is consistent with mid-century hand-raising techniques.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Manufactured in a regional workshop tradition that merged European silversmithing techniques with Southwestern aesthetics.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Southwestern Arts & Crafts (c. 1940-1960). The script typography and regional manufacturing are characteristic of post-WWII American craft silver.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The script style and specific numbering system align with the height of regional silver production in the American Southwest.
Cultural Significance
Represents the emergence of Southwestern US craft identity, where local silversmiths began to produce high-end sterling goods for both local consumption and the burgeoning tourism market.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows light scratches (patina) consistent with age and use. Natural tarnish is present within the indentations of the hallmark.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight plus a premium for the regional maker and hand-wrought texture.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid machine buffing to preserve the hand-hammered planishing marks. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Bell Trading Post hollowware (usually lighter gauge), early Wendell August Hammered Aluminum (different material), or simple hand-wrought International Silver pieces.
Interesting Facts
Items from the Albuquerque Silver Co. are increasingly collectible as examples of 'regional modernism' that are rarer than mass-produced pieces from giants like Tiffany or Gorham.