Art Nouveau Pelican Crested Silver-Plated Table Accessory
Hollowware / Table Accessory (likely a Bread Tray or Decorative Bowl) · Unknown manufacturer, likely Central European (German or Austrian) due to the style of the armorial-style stamp. The crest appears to be a 'pelican in her piety' heraldic motif.
Pattern: Art Nouveau Pierced Pattern (Crested series)
Type
Hollowware / Table Accessory (likely a Bread Tray or Decorative Bowl)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely Central European (German or Austrian) due to the style of the armorial-style stamp. The crest appears to be a 'pelican in her piety' heraldic motif.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or EPNS). The dark oxidation and surface pitting are characteristic of aging silver plate on a non-precious copper-alloy core.
Dimensions
Estimated width of 20-30cm; estimated weight 300-500g. The scale is indicative of a table centerpiece or bread basket.
Description
This Art Nouveau silver-plated piece features a striking pierced border punctuated by an elaborate heraldic crest. The central image—a pelican—is a traditional symbol of self-sacrifice and charity. The fluid, asymmetrical cutouts and the soft lobed edges reflect the early 20th-century obsession with natural forms and movement. While the surface shows significant age and tarnish, the piece retains a bold, architectural presence suitable for a collector of period metalwork.
Key Features
Pierced openwork border, central pelican-and-crown crest, and organic Art Nouveau 'whiplash' style curves.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or EPNS). The dark oxidation and surface pitting are characteristic of aging silver plate on a non-precious copper-alloy core.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-patinated with heavy oxidation; features pierced (openwork) scrolling, a lobed rim, and a die-struck heraldic crest. The design shows organic Art Nouveau curves.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains a non-official pseudo-hallmark or manufacturer's mark in the form of a crowned crest featuring a pelican. No standard '925' or official assay marks are visible, suggesting silver plate or a lower silver grade (e.g., 800) if found elsewhere on the piece.
Construction Details
Die-struck and pierced. The central crest was likely struck into the metal during the molding process, and the decorative voids were punched or stamped out machine-style.
Functional Features
Pierced edges for lightweight handling and aesthetic appeal; curved rim to contain contents; low center of gravity for table stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated pierced handles formed by the decorative border; solid metal construction continuous with the body of the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped construction with hand-finished edges. The symmetry of the piercings suggests a high-quality industrial die-cutting process typical of late 19th-century European factories.
Authentication Indicators
The mark is a manufacturer's crest rather than a government hallmark. The wear pattern (dark grey oxidation) and the lack of a '925' stamp strongly suggest silver plate rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Europe, likely Germany or Austria. The use of heraldic pseudo-marks on silver plate was very common in the Hanau and Solingen regions during the late 19th century.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (approx. 1890-1915). Indicated by the fluid, organic piercings and the stylized scrollwork surrounding the central crest.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The stylistic elements and the condition of the plating suggest a piece over 100 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratisation of luxury in the late 19th century, where silver-plated items allowed the middle class to display 'noble' heraldry and trendy Art Nouveau aesthetics at an affordable price.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. Significant surface oxidation, pitting, and possible loss of silver plating (showing the darker base metal). Numerous surface scratches and some minor distortion to the rim.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. The value is limited by the loss of plating and the 'pseudo-hallmark' status, although it has decorative value for Art Nouveau enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's to remove heavy oxidation. Avoid dipping solutions which can accelerate the stripping of the remaining silver layer. Store in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Art Nouveau trays or Orivit pewter/silver-plated wares, which often featured similar pierced designs and heraldic motifs.
Interesting Facts
The 'pelican in her piety' (feeding her young from her own breast) is a common heraldic device and was a popular motif for religious and charitable organizations, often used on tablewares for institutions.