Art Deco Sterling Silver Open Sugar Bowl with Gilt Interior
Hollowware - Tea Service (Sugar Bowl) · Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or International Silver; high-quality commercial production emphasizing streamlined design.
Pattern: Tailored or Colonial Revival pattern characterized by clean lines, stepped handles, and bulbous body form.
Type
Hollowware - Tea Service (Sugar Bowl)
Maker
Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or International Silver; high-quality commercial production emphasizing streamlined design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a Gold Vermeil (gilt) interior wash.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 3.5 to 4 inches; height of 3 inches; estimated weight 150-220 grams (4.8-7.1 troy oz).
Description
A classically proportioned open sugar bowl featuring a high-polish silver exterior and a rich, warm gold-washed interior. The piece exhibits the clean, architectural lines favored during the early 20th century, making it a versatile addition to both antique and contemporary tea services.
Key Features
Distinctive gold-washed interior, symmetrical dual-handle design, and absence of surface engraving (monogram-ready).
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a Gold Vermeil (gilt) interior wash.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a gold-washed interior (vermeil) intended to prevent corrosion from sugar acidity; minimal ornamentation focusing on form and handle geometry.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected markers on the underside include 'Sterling', a manufacturer's pictorial hallmark, and possibly a pattern number.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-stamped body with cast handles applied via hard soldering; finished with hand-buffing.
Functional Features
Open configuration (no lid) with dual handles for symmetrical presentation; gold lining to resist tarnishing and easy cleaning.
Handle & Grip Details
Two cast silver handles featuring a subtle stepped or thumb-rest design, typical of the Art Deco or late Edwardian influence.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays high-standard industrial silversmithing with excellent balance and seamless integration of cast components to the spun body.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic wear on the gilt interior edges; clean soldering joints at handle junctions; oxidation patterns consistent with high-purity silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States, emphasizing the industrial-scale silversmithing hubs of Rhode Island or Massachusetts.
Era & Period
Art Deco / Early 20th Century (c. 1920-1940); transitioning from late Victorian fussiness to modern functionalism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1945 based on the handle geometry and presence of a heavy gilt wash.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal tea and coffee social rituals of the early 20th-century middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; interior gilt shows moderate wear/spotting consistent with use; exterior shows light surface tarnish and micro-scratching. No visible structural cracks.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275 USD, primarily driven by silver weight and maker brand recognition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; use high-quality silver cream for the exterior only; avoid abrasive scrubbing on the delicate interior gilt layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Plymouth' pattern sugar bowls or Tiffany & Co. 'Salem' pattern pieces; differs by its specific handle casting and interior wash depth.
Interesting Facts
Gold interiors were not just decorative; they provided a chemical barrier against the sulfur and moisture found in refined sugar that would otherwise pit the silver.