Mid-Century Lobed Sterling Silver Beaker or Tumbler
Hollowware (Beaker / Cup / Tumbler) · Unknown American or Continental Silversmith; the form is common among manufacturers such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Kirk Stieff, known for their mid-tier luxury hollowware.
Pattern: Lobed or Fluted Pattern; a classic, recurring design motif across multiple centuries, specifically popular in the mid-20th century as a revival of colonial or baroque styles.
Type
Hollowware (Beaker / Cup / Tumbler)
Maker
Unknown American or Continental Silversmith; the form is common among manufacturers such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Kirk Stieff, known for their mid-tier luxury hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The luster and yellowing of the tarnish strongly indicate a solid silver composition rather than plating, likely weighing between 80-150 grams depending on wall thickness.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 3.5 to 4.5 inches; diameter at rim: 3 inches. Weight estimated at approximately 3.5 to 5 troy ounces.
Description
This sterling silver beaker features a classic lobed body that creates a beautiful play of light and shadow. The flared rim and tapered profile are characteristic of traditional drinking vessels used for spirits or water. It serves as an elegant example of mid-tier sterling hollowware, blending functional simplicity with the timeless luxury of precious metal.
Key Features
Vertical lobed panels (fluting); rolled rim; high-polish interior; tapered silhouette; absence of ornate handles or feet, emphasizing the purity of the silver form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The luster and yellowing of the tarnish strongly indicate a solid silver composition rather than plating, likely weighing between 80-150 grams depending on wall thickness.
Finish & Decoration
The item features a polished interior and a lobed or fluted exterior created through repoussé and chasing techniques. It exhibits a soft, 'butler' finish on the exterior with light oxidation in the crevices of the lobes to highlight dimensionality. There appears to be a faint decorative criss-cross or lattice engraving on one interior panel which may be part of a larger exterior motif or a maker's hallmark reflection.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not explicitly visible in this overhead shot, but would typically be found on the underside of the base. Expected marks for this style include 'STERLING', a maker's mark (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G), and a model number.
Construction Details
Likely deep-drawn or spun on a lathe from a flat sheet of sterling silver, with the lobed fluting applied afterward through mechanical pressing or hand-chasing. The rim is rolled for strength and comfort.
Functional Features
Tapered cylindrical form for drinking or as a decorative julep cup; flared rim for ease of pouring/sipping; stable weighted or flat-bottom base.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless. The lobed vertical channels provide an ergonomic grip, preventing the vessel from slipping when condensation forms on the silver surface.
Craftsmanship Details
The symmetry of the lobes suggests a high-quality die-stamping process, while the final polish and rim work show the touch of a skilled bench jeweler. The interior shows no visible seams, indicating a high-quality spun construction.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic 'warmth' of the metal luster, the specific pattern of 'rainbow' tarnish (sulfidation) near the rim, and the construction of the lobes are consistent with authentic sterling silver rather than base-metal silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Germany. The manufacturing technique suggests a production line from a large silversmithing house where hand-finishing was applied to machine-formed blanks.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). The style is a 'Colonialesqe' or Neoclassical revival typical of post-WWII American dining sets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The lack of heavy Victorian ornamentation and the specific curvature of the lobes point to a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century American aspiration for formal dining and the 'well-appointed' home, where sterling silver items were essential wedding registry staples and symbols of upward mobility.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There are visible surface scratches consistent with use (cleaning marks) and light tarnish/oxidation on the interior. The rim appears straight without significant dings, and the base remains symmetrical.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 USD. Value is driven primarily by current silver spot price (melt value) plus a 50-100% premium for the maker and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid dishwasher use, as high heat and harsh detergents can pit the silver surface and cause permanent 'clouding'.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Mint Julep Cups (which usually have beaded rims); Gorham Fluted Tumblers; Manchester Sterling Beakers. The lack of a foot distinguishes this from a 'chalice' or 'compote'.
Interesting Facts
Silver beakers of this style were often given as 'christening cups' or trophies in the mid-20th century. The lobed design is actually based on much earlier 17th-century Dutch and English brandy bowls.