Victorian Style Silver-Plated Globular Sugar Bowl or Bonbonniere
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Bonbonniere) · Unknown manufacturer, likely 20th-century mass producer. The marking style is representative of commercial silver-plate firms following English design traditions.
Pattern: Generic Rococo Revival / Floral Repoussé style. This is a non-exclusive aesthetic pattern widely used in Victorian-style production.
Type
Hollowware (Sugar Bowl / Bonbonniere)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely 20th-century mass producer. The marking style is representative of commercial silver-plate firms following English design traditions.
Material
Silver Plate on base metal (likely nickel silver or white metal). There is no '925' or 'Sterling' mark; the 'EP' designation frequently used on such pieces indicates Electroplate.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 cm in diameter; height approx 8-10 cm. Weight is consistent with plated base metal rather than the density of solid sterling.
Description
This is a footed, globular silver-plated vessel designed in the opulent Rococo Revival style. The body is characterized by a smooth mirror finish on the underside, contrasted with highly ornate cast floral legs. The heavy iridescent tarnish suggests it has been stored without protection from atmospheric sulfur for a significant period, which has created a 'rainbow' effect on the silver surface.
Key Features
Pseudo-hallmarks intended to mimic antique English silver, cast floral feet, and a 'Made In' origin stamp which is a primary diagnostic for 20th-century dating.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on base metal (likely nickel silver or white metal). There is no '925' or 'Sterling' mark; the 'EP' designation frequently used on such pieces indicates Electroplate.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with heavy colorful tarnish (oxidation). It features applied cast floral feet and repoussé floral scrollwork around the body. The style is mid-to-late Victorian Rococo Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside shows a series of rectangular 'pseudo-hallmarks' including a cross-like symbol and a lowercase 'g'. A 'MADE IN' stamp is visible below these, which is a modern regulatory marking often indicating 20th-century manufacture.
Construction Details
Machine-spun globular body with cast decorative feet attached via solder. The feet appear to be mass-produced cast components rather than hand-chased.
Functional Features
Tripod or four-legged footed design for stability. Open top (missing lid or designed as an open bowl) for serving sugar cubes or small candies.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - the image shows the underside and legs; however, the legs serve as the primary structural grip for handling the base.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade production. The soldering of the feet to the body is clean but shows the uniformity of industrial manufacturing rather than the irregular charm of a hand-wrought piece.
Authentication Indicators
The 'pseudo-hallmarks' lack a Lion Passant or recognized city mark, confirming it is not British Sterling. The 'MADE IN' stamp is a standard modern manufacturing indicator.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in England or North America during the mid-20th century, following traditional Sheffield or Birmingham design templates.
Era & Period
20th-century reproduction of a Victorian (1837-1901) design. Stylistic indicators include the heavy floral motifs and the specific font of the 'MADE IN' stamp.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1970. The presence of 'MADE IN' as a distinct block stamp usually suggests a post-1920s origin for export or retail compliance.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th-century trend of 'reproduction antiques,' where households purchased silver-plated items that looked traditional but were affordable for middle-class entertaining.
Condition Notes
Fair. The piece shows significant surface tarnish (oxidation) and some light scratching. There is potential plating wear (brassiness) hidden under the tarnish, but no major structural dents are visible from this angle.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. As a silver-plated item with common decorative motifs and no notable maker, the value is primarily decorative/functional rather than investment-grade.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth to remove the heavy tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent the return of sulfur-based oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Benedict Silver Co. or Sheridan Silver Co. pieces often use similar cast floral feet and globular bodies; however, those are usually clearly marked with their corporate logos.
Interesting Facts
The rainbow tarnish seen here is actually a layer of silver sulfide. Early stages of tarnish refract light like a prism, creating the yellow, purple, and blue hues seen in the photo before eventually turning black.