Ercolano Silver-Plated Hollowware Bowl or Sugar Basin
Hollowware (Bowl or Sugar Basin) · Ercolano, an Italian maker known for producing decorative silver-plated table and giftware items, frequently distributed internationally.
Pattern: Classic smooth, plain pattern featuring a flared circular foot and bulbous body, produced as part of traditional decorative hollowware lines.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl or Sugar Basin)
Maker
Ercolano, an Italian maker known for producing decorative silver-plated table and giftware items, frequently distributed internationally.
Material
Silver-plated metal (EPNS or silver plate over a base metal such as brass, copper, or nickel silver), indicated by the marker stamp.
Dimensions
Estimated small to medium hollowware vessel, approximately 10 to 15 cm in diameter at the base, designed as an individual sugar bowl or small decorative footed bowl.
Description
An elegant silver-plated hollowware vessel featuring a bulbous, reflective body rising gracefully from a stepped circular pedestal base. The surface boasts a brilliant mirror polish that captures ambient light beautifully. Stamped clearly near the foot rim with the 'ERCOLANO' mark, this piece exemplifies clean mid-century Italian craftsmanship, serving equally well as a functional sugar basin or a striking decorative accent piece.
Key Features
High-gloss mirror polish, distinct flared pedestal foot, clear 'ERCOLANO' maker's stamp on the lower base rim, and smooth bulbous form.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated metal (EPNS or silver plate over a base metal such as brass, copper, or nickel silver), indicated by the marker stamp.
Finish & Decoration
High-gloss mirror polish finish with a clean, unadorned modernist aesthetic emphasizing smooth curves and reflective surfaces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped near the base rim with the maker mark 'ERCOLANO' alongside additional small pictorial or alphanumeric production stamps.
Construction Details
Formed via spun metal techniques for the bulbous body with a soldered-on stepped circular foot rim, typical of mid-to-late 20th-century mass manufacturing.
Functional Features
Open top bowl suitable for holding sugar lumps, candies, or serving as a decorative table accent; features a stable circular pedestal base.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design relying on the rounded body contour for a secure manual grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-spun body with clean soldering at the pedestal joint. The finish is polished to a high standard, showcasing typical mid-century commercial manufacturing quality.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp manufacturer stamp reading 'ERCOLANO' integrated into the base rim, consistent with mid-century Italian silver-plated hollowware authentication standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy, adhering to Italian decorative metalworking and electroplating traditions.
Era & Period
Mid-to-Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1980s), reflecting functionalist and revivalist domestic tableware trends.
Age Estimate
Estimated circa 1960-1980 based on the style of the maker stamp and typical mid-century silver-plate production runs.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII European tradition of accessible table elegance, where silver-plated hollowware became a staple of formal dining and hospitality customs.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches consistent with light handling and gentle polishing over time. No major dents, deep gouges, or silver plate loss visible.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $75 USD, heavily dependent on current decorative trends, completeness if part of a set, and overall surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a non-abrasive silver polish specifically formulated for silver plate only when necessary to preserve the thin plating layer.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated sugar bowls and creamers by contemporary Italian makers such as Argenteria or international brands like Oneida and Reed & Barton.
Interesting Facts
Italian silver-plate makers like Ercolano gained popularity globally during the post-war tourism and export boom, providing affordable luxury table accessories for middle-class homes.