Vintage Silver Plated Pierced Vine Design Wine Bottle Coaster
Hollowware - Wine Coaster · Generic mass-market silverplate manufacturer (e.g., Leonard, Sheridan, or International Silver during the mid-late 20th century). These items were typically produced for high-volume retail.
Pattern: Pierced Grapevine / Vintage Pattern. This is a common motif inspired by 18th-century Old Sheffield Plate designs, widely reproduced by various manufacturers.
Type
Hollowware - Wine Coaster
Maker
Generic mass-market silverplate manufacturer (e.g., Leonard, Sheridan, or International Silver during the mid-late 20th century). These items were typically produced for high-volume retail.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or brass, or white metal/spelter). The cork base serves as a protective insert for the bottle and absorbs condensation.
Dimensions
Approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) in diameter and 3 inches (7.6 cm) in height. Weight is approximately 250-400 grams depending on the density of the base metal.
Description
This classic wine coaster features a timeless grapevine motif with decorative piercing that allows the bottle within to be partially visible. It acts as both a functional table protector and a decorative accent for formal dining. The 'vintage' aesthetic is achieved through high-relief casting of clusters of grapes and tripartite leaves, finished with an artificial patina to mimic aged sterling silver.
Key Features
Continuous grapevine openwork; cork-lined interior; rolled decorative rims; flared weighted base.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely copper or brass, or white metal/spelter). The cork base serves as a protective insert for the bottle and absorbs condensation.
Finish & Decoration
The finish is an antiqued silver plate with heavy oxidation in the recesses to highlight the vine motif. Features include pierced openwork (reticulation) of grapes and leaves with a rolled rim and a stepped base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the metal rim beneath the cork or on the outer bottom edge with 'EPCA' (Electroplated Copper Alloy), 'Silverplate', or a manufacturer's mark. Due to its mass-produced nature, it lacks official assay hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-cast or die-struck components. The openwork is created via stamp-piercing or casting. The assembly involves soldering the pierced cylinder to a spun base and top rim.
Functional Features
A wide circular frame designed to hold a standard 750ml wine bottle, protecting tablecloths from drips and condensation. The cork insert provides a non-slip, absorbent surface.
Handle & Grip Details
The item lacks a traditional handle, though the rolled top rim allows for easy lifting. The 'grip' is provided by the textured grapevine pattern.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial quality. The casting is somewhat soft in detail, and the plating is industrial-grade. It is a robust, functional item rather than a master silversmith's work.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' or .925 stamps; casting seams visible upon close inspection; the weight-to-size ratio suggests a non-precious base metal; artificially applied 'antique' patina.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the United States, England (Sheffield factories during the decline of the industry), or East Asia for the export market. Mass-produced in industrial workshops.
Era & Period
Later 20th Century (likely 1960s-1980s). While the style is 'Victorian Revival', technical indicators like the plating quality and cork type suggest a modern commercial origin.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990. The condition of the tarnish and the synthetic nature of the cork backing indicate a late 20th-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th-century trend of 'Victorian Revival' in home decor, where middle-class households sought to emulate aristocratic dining traditions using affordable silver-plated wares.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Visible tarnish and 'pitting' are present. The silver plating appears thin in high-wear areas (polishing wear), and the cork base shows signs of staining from previous use.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is based purely on decorative utility rather than silver content or maker prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water only; avoid submerged soaking so as not to ruin the cork. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'dips' which will remove the desirable dark oxidation in the vine details.
Similar Pieces
Authentic Victorian Sterling coasters (which would have wooden bases and sterling hallmarks) and Old Sheffield Plate coasters (fused silver on copper with 'bleeding' edges).
Interesting Facts
Wine coasters became popular in the 1760s so that bottles could be 'coasted' (slid) across highly polished mahogany dining tables without scratching the wood.