Mid-Century Silver-Plated Tapered Tankard with C-Scroll Handle
Hollowware (Tankard / Beer Mug) · Unknown mass-market manufacturer, likely British or American (e.g., Leonard, Oneida, or Barker Ellis). The piece lacks the refinement of high-end silversmiths like Tiffany or Georg Jensen, typical of post-war commercial production.
Pattern: Traditional Georgian-style reeded pattern; likely a non-exclusive commercial design produced from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard / Beer Mug)
Maker
Unknown mass-market manufacturer, likely British or American (e.g., Leonard, Oneida, or Barker Ellis). The piece lacks the refinement of high-end silversmiths like Tiffany or Georg Jensen, typical of post-war commercial production.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The visible surface scratches show a greyish under-metal, and the lack of a 'Sterling' stamp strongly indicates a plated base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm). Capacity: Approximately 16-20 ounces. Estimated weight: 350-450 grams. Weighted base likely for stability.
Description
A classic silver-plated tankard featuring a slightly tapered cylindrical body. It is decorated with two sets of horizontal reeded lines and a sturdy, swept C-handle. This form is a ubiquitous staple of 20th-century barware, designed to emulate the heavy sterling tankards of the 18th century while remaining affordable for the middle-market consumer.
Key Features
Tapered profile, double horizontal reeded bands, flared pedestal foot, and a high-luster finish. The most diagnostic trait is the machine-perfect regularity of the decorative lines.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over copper. The visible surface scratches show a greyish under-metal, and the lack of a 'Sterling' stamp strongly indicates a plated base metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with double-reeded banding near the top and bottom rim. The style mimics 18th-century Neoclassical simplicity with a flared pedestal base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks visible on the exterior body. Likely features a stamp on the underside saying 'EPNS', 'Silverplate', or a manufacturer's logo. The absence of British sterling marks (lion passant) confirms it is likely plated.
Construction Details
Machine-spun cylindrical body with a cast hollow-handle soldered to the side. The joints show modern industrial soldering rather than hand-raised hammer marks.
Functional Features
Single-handled drinking vessel with a flared 'no-drip' rim and a wide, stable pedestal base to prevent tipping in a tavern or home setting.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal 'C-scroll' or 'Ear-shaped' handle. Hollow construction to keep the weight manageable and prevent heat transfer. Soldered directly to the body at two points.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade. The soldering at the top of the handle is slightly coarse, and the reeding is die-stamped/rolled rather than hand-chased, indicating mass production over artisanal smithing.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of sterling marks is the primary indicator of silver plate. The surface scratches reveal a white/grey base metal rather than the consistent white-metal depth of solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Sheffield, England or the United States. Produced in a high-volume factory using industrial hydraulic presses and spinning lathes.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern reproduction of late Georgian (c. 1800) aesthetics. This 'revival' style was highly popular in the 1950s-1970s for giftware and trophies.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the handle attachment style, the uniform machine-reeding, and the specific wear patterns on the plating.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of domestic hospitality and a common choice for 'commemorative' gifts, such as 21st birthdays, graduations, or sporting trophies in the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are significant surface scuffs and 'flea bite' scratches consistent with heavy use. There is evidence of 'bleeding' where the silver plate is thinning on high points, and light oxidation/tarnish in the crevices of the reeding.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. As a plated piece with moderate wear found in a thrift/second-hand setting, its value is purely decorative rather than investment-grade.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will strip the thin silver layer and expose the base metal. Hand wash only; never place in a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Pewter tankards (duller grey, no plating), Sterling Silver Georgian tankards (marked with lion passant, much higher value), and Stainless Steel mugs (no tarnish, lighter weight).
Interesting Facts
Silver tankards were originally designed with glass bottoms in some regions (to see a 'shilling' recruit's coin or to watch for attackers), though this later commercial version is solid metal.