Vintage Silver Plated Small Three-Footed Pot or Sugar Basin
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Sugar Basin with Feet) · Unidentified Maker / Manufacturer
Pattern: Plain / Undesignated Functional Form
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Sugar Basin with Feet)
Maker
Unidentified Maker / Manufacturer
Material
Silver Plated Base Metal (likely brass or copper substrate showing through wear spots)
Dimensions
Estimated small scale, approximately 8-10 cm in diameter and 7-9 cm in height
Description
A small, rounded silver-plated hollowware vessel supported by three distinct, cast pad or scroll feet. The underside reveals significant wear, tarnishing, and the base metal showing through the thin silver plating near the solder joints of the feet.
Key Features
Tripod footed base, compact hollowware form, visible brassy base metal bleed-through at solder joints
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Base Metal (likely brass or copper substrate showing through wear spots)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-plated finish with plain, undecorated rounded body and cast feet
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in current photograph; likely stamped on base or interior rim
Construction Details
Formed body with separately cast feet soldered to the base, showing prominent solder seams
Functional Features
Three feet elevate the vessel off surfaces, serving as a small bowl, creamer body, or sugar basin
Handle & Grip Details
Loop handle visible at the top/rear; appears to be securely joined to the body
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial assembly utilizing machine-formed body components with hand-soldered cast feet
Authentication Indicators
Uneven plating wear and exposed base metal around structural solder joints indicate vintage electroplated ware rather than solid sterling silver
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-produced by a commercial silverplate manufacturer in the US or Europe
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1970)
Age Estimate
Circa mid-20th century based on base construction and heavy wear patterns
Cultural Significance
Represents accessible domestic tableware commonly found in households during the mid-20th century
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. Heavy tarnish, widespread surface scratching, and significant loss of silver plating revealing the underlying base metal (brass/copper) around the feet and bottom surface.
Value Estimate
Nominal value ($10 - $25 USD) due to heavy plate loss and lack of identifiable maker's mark
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh silver dips due to compromised plating.
Similar Pieces
Various silver-plated sugar bowls and creamers from mid-century manufacturers like Oneida or Wallace
Interesting Facts
Three-footed designs on small bowls and tea set components trace their aesthetic roots back to Georgian-era hollowware