E. & J. Bass Sterling Silver or Silver Plated Hollowware Base Mark (Justitia / Scales Mark)
Hollowware Maker's Mark / Stamp on Base · E. & J. Bass (founded in New York City, late 19th/early 20th century). Known for high-quality metalware, novelties, desk accessories, and hollowware, often incorporating glass, ceramics, and mixed metals.
Pattern: Unspecified manufacturer mark representing E. & J. Bass's trademark winged figure holding scales (often associated with Justice or a winged classical motif), frequently used on their decorative metal items.
Type
Hollowware Maker's Mark / Stamp on Base
Maker
E. & J. Bass (founded in New York City, late 19th/early 20th century). Known for high-quality metalware, novelties, desk accessories, and hollowware, often incorporating glass, ceramics, and mixed metals.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely electroplated nickel silver or Britannia metal) or sterling silver depending on the specific product line, showing concentric lathe-turning polish marks typical of hollowware interiors.
Dimensions
Microscopic view of a base hallmark stamp approximately 1.5 cm to 2 cm in diameter, set within the recessed underside or interior well of a hollowware piece.
Description
A close-up photograph of a manufacturer's trademark stamp found on the base or interior of a silver or silver-plated hollowware piece by E. & J. Bass. The circular hallmark features a detailed allegorical winged figure—resembling Justitia (Lady Justice)—holding a sword in one hand and scales in the other, bordered by a neat ring of raised dots. The letters E, J, and S are clearly visible at the bottom. The surrounding metal shows characteristic circular polishing grain from manufacturing lathe work.
Key Features
Distinctive E. & J. Bass trademark featuring the winged figure with scales and sword, circular beaded border, and initial placement, serving as a definitive diagnostic mark for the manufacturer.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely electroplated nickel silver or Britannia metal) or sterling silver depending on the specific product line, showing concentric lathe-turning polish marks typical of hollowware interiors.
Finish & Decoration
Polished interior surface with circular lathe lines. The trademark stamp is a cleanly struck circular medallion featuring a winged female figure (Justice) holding scales and a sword, flanked by the initials 'E', 'J', and 'S' (E. & J. Bass).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular maker's stamp featuring a central winged figure (Justitia/Justice motif with sword and scales) within a dotted beaded border, with the letters E, J, and S positioned at the base of the central figure, indicating E. & J. Bass.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped hallmark imprint struck into the metal base prior to final assembly or finishing, showing crisp relief detail of the allegorical figure and dotted border.
Functional Features
Maker's identification stamp providing brand authenticity, quality assurance, and origin context for the hollowware piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable to this specific stamp image, though associated with the handles and bodies of E. & J. Bass serving pieces, trays, and vessels.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality steel punch die utilized to create a crisp, deep, and well-centered maker's mark that remains legible despite decades of use and polishing.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep, and even strike of the manufacturer's punch, correct proportions of the allegorical figure and dotted border, and consistent typography for genuine E. & J. Bass markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
New York City, United States. E. & J. Bass was a prominent American manufacturer known for decorative metal goods and hollowware production.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Art Nouveau to Art Deco period (circa 1900-1930), reflecting the decorative revival styles popular during the Edwardian and Jazz Age eras.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1935, based on the typography, iconography, and striking style typical of American metalware manufacturers from the turn of the century through the interwar period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the flourishing American decorative metal arts industry of the early 20th century, where companies utilized allegorical and classical symbolism in their corporate branding and trademarks.
Condition Notes
Very good clear strike with crisp details on the hallmark stamp. The surrounding silver or silver-plated surface shows light, normal microscopic surface scratches and swirl marks consistent with age, handling, and cleaning.
Value Estimate
Value depends entirely on the specific hollowware piece attached to this base mark, ranging from $50 to $300+ for standard E. & J. Bass decorative hollowware items on the secondary antique market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive silver polish if silver-plated or sterling. Avoid harsh scrubbing directly over the stamped mark to preserve its legibility.
Similar Pieces
Maker's marks and hallmarks from contemporary American metalwork companies such as Pairpoint, Reed & Barton, Wilcox, and Meriden Britannia Co.
Interesting Facts
E. & J. Bass began as a partnership in New York and became famous for producing an eclectic mix of art metalware, lamps, smoking accessories, and hollowware that often rivaled larger manufacturing companies like Gorham or Tiffany in artistic flair.