Wallace Sterling Silver Pierced Hollowware Bowl #4093-3
Hollowware (Serving Bowl / Bonbon Dish) · Wallace Silversmiths (originally R. Wallace & Sons), founded in 1833 in Wallingford, Connecticut. One of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers known for exceptional craftsmanship and the famous 'Third Dimension' patterns.
Pattern: Production Number 4093-3; features a classic pierced lattice rim with a beaded or gadroon edge, typical of their mid-20th-century decorative hollowware lines.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl / Bonbon Dish)
Maker
Wallace Silversmiths (originally R. Wallace & Sons), founded in 1833 in Wallingford, Connecticut. One of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers known for exceptional craftsmanship and the famous 'Third Dimension' patterns.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with no base metals; 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated 9 to 11 inches in diameter. Weight typically ranges between 250 to 450 grams (8 to 14 troy oz) depending on the specific diameter of variant -3.
Description
A refined example of Wallace sterling hollowware, this bowl features a sophisticated pierced border that creates a play of light and shadow. The contrast between the intricate openwork and the solid, mirror-polished basin exemplifies the 'quiet luxury' of mid-century American dining silver.
Key Features
Distinctive '4093-3' model number, precise geometric piercing, and the iconic Wallace serif maker's mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with no base metals; 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with intricate machine-pierced geometric lattice work on the rim. The border features a crisp beaded or 'pearl' edge. The interior well is smooth and reflective.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WALLACE' in serif block caps; 'STERLING' indicating .925 purity; and '4093-3' which is the specific factory production or catalog model number.
Construction Details
Likely manufactured using a combination of spinning (to form the bowl shape) and die-stamping for the piercing and beaded rim. The marks are deeply struck into the base.
Functional Features
Pierced rim for aesthetic lightness; wide basin suitable for fruits, bread, or sweets. The solid base provides stability for tabletop use.
Handle & Grip Details
Simple rim-style grip with no separate handles, maintaining a clean circular silhouette.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine work with hand-finished polishing. The symmetry of the piercing and the evenness of the beaded rim indicate superior quality control typical of the Wallingford factory.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic maker's marks consistent with 20th-century Wallace production. The depth of the die-stamping and the quality of the piercing work are representative of genuine sterling rather than silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Wallingford, Connecticut. Produced during the peak of American sterling hollowware production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century American (c. 1940-1960). This style draws on Neoclassical and Georgian influences but executed with mid-20th-century industrial precision.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s-1950s. The font style of the 'WALLACE' stamp and the catalog numbering system are consistent with this post-war period.
Cultural Significance
Pieces like this were staple wedding gifts for mid-century American middle and upper-class families, symbolizing domestic stability and social status.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Visible surface 'spider-web' scratching (patina) consistent with age and cleaning. No major dents or cracks visible in the metal. No signs of monogram removal.
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 USD. Value is heavily influenced by the current spot price of silver plus a 20-40% premium for the Wallace brand and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Due to piercing, use a soft-bristled horsehair brush to remove polish residue from holes. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' pierced bowls or Tiffany & Co. lattice-edge trays. Wallace's pieces are often recognized by their specific numeric sequence stamps.
Interesting Facts
Wallace Silversmiths rose to global fame for their 1941 'Grande Baroque' pattern, which remains one of the best-selling silver patterns of all time.