Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Bud Vase by Poole Silver Co.
Hollowware (Decorative Bud Vase) · Poole Silver Company, founded in 1893 in Taunton, Massachusetts. Known initially for fine plated ware, they later produced significant sterling hollowware. Their pieces provide high quality at a mid-market price point.
Pattern: Modernist Fluted Series; typically part of unnamed catalog stock from the post-war era. Production of these specific sleek forms has long since ceased.
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Bud Vase)
Maker
Poole Silver Company, founded in 1893 in Taunton, Massachusetts. Known initially for fine plated ware, they later produced significant sterling hollowware. Their pieces provide high quality at a mid-market price point.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted with cement or pitch for stability, which was standard for tall, narrow vases of this period.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8 to 10 inches; Weight: approximately 150-250 grams total (including weighted base). Narrow profile optimized for a single floral stem.
Description
An elegant example of Mid-Century American silver, this bud vase features a graceful, elongated neck that flares into a subtle bulbous body. The vertical fluting catches light beautifully, while the slender handle adds a touch of classicism to an otherwise modern form. It represents the transition from traditional Victorian clutter to the clean lines of the 1950s.
Key Features
Signature 'teardrop' body shape; minimalist wire handle; weighted pedestal base; vertical fluted panels.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted with cement or pitch for stability, which was standard for tall, narrow vases of this period.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with subtle vertical fluting along the bulbous body. The design is minimalist, lacking the ornate engraving or repoussé of earlier eras, favoring form and reflection.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'Sterling' along with the Poole Silver Co. emblem (a crown and a shield) and a pattern number (e.g., '102') on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Machine-spun and die-struck. The piece is composed of a flared base joined to a hollow body with a long, drawn neck. The rim is slightly flared.
Functional Features
Weighted base to prevent tipping when holding water and a flower; narrow neck to support thin stems; flared rim for easy filling.
Handle & Grip Details
Features a slender, curved silver wire handle attached at the rim and the shoulder, likely for decorative balance rather than heavy lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The seams are invisible, and the symmetry of the fluting suggests precision die-work characteristic of high-end American factory production.
Authentication Indicators
Typical 'Sterling' stamp and maker's logo on base; weight feels consistent with cement-filled bases; tarnish reflects genuine silver sulfide rather than base-metal oxidation.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Taunton, Massachusetts—traditionally known as the 'Silver City' due to its high concentration of silversmithing manufacturers.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945-1960). The 'Space Age' or 'Atomic' influence is seen in the sleek, teardrop silhouette and lack of extraneous ornamentation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1955 based on the handle style and the shift toward streamlined profiles by American silver manufacturers post-WWII.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war American shift toward 'Simple Living' and the adoption of Scandinavian design principles (Danish Modern) in American homes.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface tarnish and micro-scratches from previous polishing. No significant dents, though the weighted base should be checked for 'wobble' or base separation.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 USD depending on the current spot price of silver and the clarity of the hallmarks. Weighted pieces carry less value than solid pieces of the same size.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and a gentle cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid submersing in water if the base is weighted, as water can seep into the cement filling and cause 'leaks' or internal corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Solitaire' vases (usually heavier and unweighted); Gorham 'Modernist' line; and Empire or Duchin weighted silver vases (often thinner and more prone to denting).
Interesting Facts
Vases of this shape were often given as wedding gifts in the 1950s. Poole Silver Co. was eventually acquired by Towle Silversmiths in 1971, marking the end of its independent production.