Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Bonbonnière or Lidded Ginger Jar by WMF
Hollowware (Lidded Bowl/Bonbonnière) · WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), a renowned German manufacturer founded in 1853, known for its high-quality metalwork and collaboration with leading designers.
Pattern: Modernist/Space Age Line, characterized by clean lines and an absence of applied ornament, typical of the late 1950s designs by Ikora or similar studios.
Type
Hollowware (Lidded Bowl/Bonbonnière)
Maker
WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), a renowned German manufacturer founded in 1853, known for its high-quality metalwork and collaboration with leading designers.
Material
Silver Plate (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a brass or nickel silver base; contains no solid sterling content.
Dimensions
Approximately 15-20cm in height (including spire) and 12-15cm in diameter. Estimated weight: 400-600 grams.
Description
A striking example of German Modernist hollowware, this lidded vessel features a squat, compressed globular body contrasted by a dramatic, elongated spire finial. The lack of surface engraving emphasizes the purity of form and the play of light across the curved silver-plated surface.
Key Features
Exaggerated tapering finial, 'squashed' spherical body, seamless spinning marks, and a flush-fitting lid typical of WMF quality.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a brass or nickel silver base; contains no solid sterling content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finished silver plate with a subtle tarnished patina. Decoration is purely structural, relying on the 'Onion' or 'Turnip' shape and the elongated, tapering spire of the lid.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the underside with the WMF 'ostrich' mark or the initials 'WMF' followed by 'I/O' or 'NS' indicating silver plate thickness.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body and lid, joined with a friction-fit rim. The spire appears to be cast separately and soldered or threaded to the lid center.
Functional Features
Removable lid with an ergonomic tall spire finial for easy lifting; intended for holding sweets, nuts, or decorative storage.
Handle & Grip Details
The finial is a tall, slender silver-plated spire that serves as the grip. It shows slightly less tarnish than the body due to more frequent handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The fit between the lid and body is tight, and the symmetry of the spun metal is perfect, indicating high-quality factory production.
Authentication Indicators
The profile is a signature WMF design. Wear patterns on the base and the characteristic 'yellowing' where the plate is thin are consistent with authentic German silver plate of this era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Geislingen an der Steige, Germany; produced in the WMF factory using industrial precision spinning techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The 'Space Age' aesthetic is evident in the rocket-like finial and aerodynamic profile.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The design reflects the transition from Organic Modernism to the Space Age futurism of the 60s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII German 'Wirtschaftswunder' (Economic Miracle) where household objects were redesigned to look forward to a technological future.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface oxidation and 'clouding' of the silver plate (sulfide tarnish), common for pieces stored in humid environments. Some fingerprint staining is visible.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and whether the tarnish can be safely removed without revealing the base metal.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as the silver layer is thin; use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent scratching.
Similar Pieces
Christofle 'Lumière' line or Alessi modern bowls. WMF pieces are generally more affordable and industrially oriented compared to Christofle's luxury market positioning.
Interesting Facts
WMF was a pioneer in using industrial methods to bring high-end design to the middle class, frequently winning awards at World's Fairs for their innovative shapes.