American Arts & Crafts Hammered Sterling Silver Trumpet Vase
Hollowware (Decorative Vase/Trumpet) · Attributed to Kalo Shop, Shreve & Co., or Arthur Stone; significant for hand-wrought quality during the Arts & Crafts movement.
Pattern: Arts & Crafts Hammered Pattern; unique hand-executed design, early 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Decorative Vase/Trumpet)
Maker
Attributed to Kalo Shop, Shreve & Co., or Arthur Stone; significant for hand-wrought quality during the Arts & Crafts movement.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) base; solid composition without weighted filler.
Dimensions
Estimated height 8-10 inches; weight approx 250-350 grams (8-11 troy oz) based on gauge thickness.
Description
This elegant trumpet vase exemplifies the Arts & Crafts movement's dedication to hand-wrought craftsmanship. The surface is completely covered in soft hammer strikes that catch the light at varying angles, providing a warm, organic glow that machine-polished silver lacks. The form is minimalist and graceful, narrowing at the waist before flaring to a rounded rim.
Key Features
Visible planished hammer marks; heavy gauge sterling weight; simple, non-fussy silhouette; hand-wrought neck transition.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) base; solid composition without weighted filler.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered (martelé) surface with planished finish; oxidized patina in recessed areas; simple flared rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Indistinct marks visible on the lower curve; includes a 'STERLING' stamp and remnants of a maker's symbol (likely a shop mark or shield).
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet of silver; evidence of multi-directional hammering and planishing marks to smooth the surface contours.
Functional Features
Trumpet flared neck for flower arrangement; steady weighted-gauge base; seamless curved body.
Handle & Grip Details
None; smooth curved body designed for manual handling at the waist.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-chasing; the transition from the base to the neck shows expert control of metal tension and flow.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic tool marks (variable size and depth) consistent with period hand-raising; 'Sterling' stamp depth is uneven, characteristic of hand-stamping.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely Chicago or San Francisco); workshop traditions emphasizing the 'honesty' of the material.
Era & Period
Arts & Crafts Movement (1880-1920); characterized by the rejection of machine production in favor of visible handwork.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905-1920 based on hallmark style and tool-mark patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American response to Victorian over-decoration, focusing on the beauty of the labor and the raw material.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface tarnish and heavy oxidation (sulfide deposits). Notable spotting suggest moisture exposure. Structural integrity remains sound.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 depending on clear identification of the maker mark once cleaned.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with Wright's Silver Cream and a soft horsehair brush; avoid machine buffing which would flatten the historic hammer marks.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Hammered Ware (highly uniform), Gorham Martelé (more floral/organic), or modern spun-silver imports (too uniform).
Interesting Facts
Makers like the Kalo Shop would often employ 'silver-smithing girls' who specialized in this specific hammered texture, a revolutionary shift in labor at the time.