Vintage Silver Plated Table Box with Footed Base
Hollowware - Decorative Box / Vanity Box · Unidentified manufacturer, likely mid-century mass production studio or souvenir maker.
Pattern: Ornate Baroque Revival style with textured paneling and four diminutive feet.
Type
Hollowware - Decorative Box / Vanity Box
Maker
Unidentified manufacturer, likely mid-century mass production studio or souvenir maker.
Material
Silver Plated base metal, possibly brass or white metal alloy underneath.
Dimensions
Estimated small trinket box scale, approximately 3 to 4 inches in length and width, weighing under 200 grams.
Description
A charming and compact decorative footed box featuring a distinct textured stippled background on its underside and raised scalloped borders. The piece is supported by four small raised corner feet, showing typical signs of vintage wear and aged silver plating.
Key Features
Stippled textured underside with visible patent stamps, four corner feet, scalloped rim profile.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated base metal, possibly brass or white metal alloy underneath.
Finish & Decoration
Textured stippled finish on the base panel with raised scrolling and scalloped borders. Cast feet at each corner.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Faint stamped text visible on the base including the word 'PAT.' or a patent reference, alongside indistinct manufacturing letters.
Construction Details
Cast feet and frame joined to a stamped sheet metal base panel, typical of mid-20th-century novelty hollowware.
Functional Features
Small container intended for storing small trinkets, stamps, or vanity items.
Handle & Grip Details
Features integral cast feet supporting the main body; no handles or separate grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial casting and stamping techniques utilized for mass-market decorative metalware.
Authentication Indicators
Patent stamps and typical mass-production casting seams indicate vintage decorative ware rather than high-end artisan silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely American or European production, manufactured during the mid-century souvenir and decorative giftware boom.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1970), drawing on earlier Revival styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the textured stippled base and patent stamp style.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war popularity of affordable decorative tabletop and vanity accessories designed for domestic use.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear with loss of silver plating revealing base metal in high-friction areas, overall tarnish and patina consistent with age. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated modest collector value ranging from $15 to $45 depending on overall condition and top lid design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft microfiber cloth and mild silver cream. Avoid harsh dips to preserve the remaining thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Various souvenir trinket boxes, pill boxes, and stamp boxes produced by mid-century novelty silversmiths and giftware manufacturers.
Interesting Facts
Stippled base panels were frequently used in mid-century novelty boxes to hide minor scratches and provide a tactile, non-slip base.