Art Deco Style Silver Plate Open Sugar Bowl
Hollowware (Tea and Coffee Service component) · Unknown / Likely American or British Commercial Manufacturer. The absence of clear sterling hallmarks in the visible area suggests a mass-market manufacturer of silver-plated wares typical of the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Streamline Art Deco Concentric Ring Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Tea and Coffee Service component)
Maker
Unknown / Likely American or British Commercial Manufacturer. The absence of clear sterling hallmarks in the visible area suggests a mass-market manufacturer of silver-plated wares typical of the mid-20th century.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The heavy mottled tarnish and the appearance of the base metal through the surface suggest a thin layer of silver over a base metal like nickel or copper.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height and 4 inches (10.2 cm) across including handles. Estimated weight of 150-200 grams. This is a standard individual or small-table sized open sugar bowl.
Description
This small, silver-plated open sugar bowl represents the transition from high Art Deco to Mid-Century Modernism. Its globular body is accented with minimalist concentric rings, reflecting the era's fascination with speed and industrial design. While currently heavily tarnished, its underlying form is elegant and functional, typical of hotelware or domestic breakfast services of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Concentric ring shoulder decoration; globular profile; twin scroll handles; lack of prominent purity marks (indicative of plating).
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The heavy mottled tarnish and the appearance of the base metal through the surface suggest a thin layer of silver over a base metal like nickel or copper.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with machine-turned concentric horizontal rings around the upper shoulder. The style is 'Streamline Moderne,' characterized by clean lines and an industrial aesthetic. Heavily tarnished with multi-colored patination.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are clearly legible in the provided image. They are typically found on the underside of the base, which is currently obscured by heavy tarnish and shadows. Likely marked 'E.P.N.S.' or with a manufacturer's numerical catalog stamp.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-stamped body. The handles appear to be cast and machine-soldered to the main body. The base is an applied ring foot. Commercial-grade manufacturing rather than hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Functional Features
Twin-handled 'open' sugar bowl design intended for use with sugar cubes or granulated sugar with a spoon. Features an applied foot for stability. No lid present (intentional for this form).
Handle & Grip Details
Two cast-metal C-scroll handles with slightly flared attachment points. These are likely made of a base white metal and silver-plated before being soldered to the vessel body.
Craftsmanship Details
Functional commercial quality. The symmetry of the rings indicates precision machine turning. The soldering of the handles is clean but industrial in execution.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' or purity marks suggests silver plate. The uniform nature of the decorative rings suggests mechanical spinning rather than hand-chasing. Natural wear patterns on the handle tops and foot rim are consistent with mid-century age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (e.g., Gorham, International Silver Co. at the plated tier) or United Kingdom (Sheffield industry). Mass-produced factory manufacture.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / late Art Deco Influence (c. 1930–1950). The concentric rings are a classic motif of the machine-age aesthetic common during this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940. The aesthetic and manufacturing style suggest the post-Depression era when silver-plated dining sets were widely accessible to the middle class.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the democratization of luxury in the mid-20th century, where silver-plated items allowed households to emulate formal dining styles of the upper class at a fraction of the cost of sterling silver.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The item exhibits heavy bi-level tarnish (oxidation and sulfide layers). There is visible 'bleeding' where the silver plating may have been polished through or reacted with the base metal. No major dents or structural breaks are visible from this angle.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Silver-plated hollowware in this condition has low intrinsic metal value and is primarily valued for its decorative vintage charm.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to remove surface dirt, followed by a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Due to the potential thinness of the plating, avoid 'silver dip' chemicals or aggressive machine polishing.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Manhattan' plated line; International Silver 'Cromwell' or 'Stradivari' plated variants. Distinct from sterling versions which would be significantly heavier and hallmarked '925' or 'Sterling'.
Interesting Facts
During the 1930s and 40s, 'Streamline' design was applied to everything from locomotives to toasters and sugar bowls to symbolize progress and modernity. Items like this were often part of larger 4-piece sets (coffee, tea, sugar, creamer).