Mid-Century Modern Silver Overlay Cobalt Blue Glass Champagne Coupe
Decorative Object / Barware (Champagne/Sherbet Coupe) · Likely Silver City Glass Co. or Rockwell Silver Co. Both American companies were renowned for specializing in high-quality silver overlay on glass during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Horizontal Banding / Linear Pattern; generic mid-century geometric design.
Type
Decorative Object / Barware (Champagne/Sherbet Coupe)
Maker
Likely Silver City Glass Co. or Rockwell Silver Co. Both American companies were renowned for specializing in high-quality silver overlay on glass during the mid-20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on cobalt blue mouth-blown glass with lead crystal stem.
Dimensions
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 inches in height with a 3.5-inch diameter bowl. Weight is predominantly the glass substrate.
Description
An elegant example of mid-century barware, this champagne coupe features a vibrant cobalt blue bowl encased in precise, horizontal sterling silver bands. The clear, faceted stem provides a brilliant contrast, reflecting light through the deep blue glass. This style represents the fusion of traditional silver craft with the modern consumer's desire for bold, functional cocktail accessories.
Key Features
Precise parallel horizontal silver banding; deep cobalt blue saturation; faceted 'diamond' style clear stem; sterling silver purity.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on cobalt blue mouth-blown glass with lead crystal stem.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on silver stripes. Features silver overlay technique where sterling is electro-deposited onto the glass surface. Style is Mid-Century Modern with minimalist geometric banding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually marked 'Sterling' in small block letters within the silver design near the rim or on the base; sometimes bears a maker's hallmark logo (like the Silver City 'S' in a shield).
Construction Details
Mouth-blown cobalt glass bowl fused to a faceted, molded clear glass stem. Silver is applied via an electroplating process over a flux-printed pattern.
Functional Features
Wide, shallow coupe bowl designed for champagne or chilled desserts (sherbet). The silver bands add structural grip and aesthetic flair.
Handle & Grip Details
Clear glass faceted stem with two knops for secure gripping; provides a cooling distance between the hand and the bowl contents.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality electro-deposition; the horizontal bands are perfectly parallel with no bleeding, indicating professional factory-level precision over hand-painting.
Authentication Indicators
Integration of silver into the glass surface (not painted); 'Sterling' stamp usually hidden within the silver design; specific thickness of atomic-bonded silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden, Connecticut (a hub for silver overlay production). Manufacturing involved both glass blowing and electrochemical silver deposition.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1965). The clean lines and bold cobalt color are hallmarks of post-war American barware trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1960 based on the linear geometric pattern and the specific hue of the cobalt glass.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 1950s American 'Atomic Age' design movement, prioritizing sleek lines and high-contrast materials to signify modern luxury.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. No visible 'silver loss' (peeling) on the bands. Glass shows no chips or clouding. Light tarnish consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 per stem depending on the specific maker's mark and rarity of the cobalt color.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only in lukewarm water with mild soap. Polish silver bands gently with a treated silver cloth (Cape Cod). Avoid chemical dips which can seep under the silver edges.
Similar Pieces
Dorothy Thorpe silver-banded glassware (usually clear glass with wide rims); Deuber silver overlay pieces (typically floral patterns).
Interesting Facts
Silver overlay was originally a Victorian invention, but it saw a massive resurgence in the 1950s as American households embraced sophisticated 'cocktail hour' culture.