Pairpoint Mfg. Co. Quadruple Plate Victorian Votive or Open Sugar Bowl
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Votive Holder) · Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Founded in 1880, Pairpoint became famous for high-quality silver plate and later, fine art glass through its merger with Mount Washington Glass.
Pattern: Aesthetic Movement Floral with Pierced Galleried Rim
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Votive Holder)
Maker
Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Founded in 1880, Pairpoint became famous for high-quality silver plate and later, fine art glass through its merger with Mount Washington Glass.
Material
Quadruple Silver Plate on White Metal (Antimony/Lead base). "Quadruple Plate" indicates a higher standard of electroplating used in the late 19th century, applying four times the silver content of standard silver plate.
Dimensions
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in height. Estimated weight: 150-250 grams. Typical of a small table accessory or vanity piece.
Description
This charming late Victorian silver-plated vessel by Pairpoint Manufacturing Co. showcases the delicate beauty of the Aesthetic Movement. Featuring a bulbous body with light hand-etched floral sprigs, the piece transitions into a sophisticated pierced gallery band and terminates in a dramatically flared, scalloped rim. This form was versatile, often serving as an open sugar bowl or even as a decorative liner for art glass.
Key Features
Unique 'petal' scalloped rim, pierced geometric neck band, and the high-grade 'Quadruple Plate' mark identifying its Massachusetts origin.
Material & Composition
Quadruple Silver Plate on White Metal (Antimony/Lead base). "Quadruple Plate" indicates a higher standard of electroplating used in the late 19th century, applying four times the silver content of standard silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Aesthetic Movement style featuring etched floral/berry motifs, an oxidized satin patina, and a pierced/cut-out gallery band beneath a scalloped 'petal' rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular backstamp: 'PAIRPOINT MFG. CO. NEW BEDFORD MASS.' surrounding a diamond logo with a central 'P'. Clearly stamped 'QUADRUPLE PLATE' near the center. Small numbers visible may indicate the catalog design number.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with a die-struck decorative gallery band and applied scalloped rim. The piece is hand-assembled and soldered, typical of late Victorian volume production.
Functional Features
Wide scalloped rim for easy access; decorative pierced windows to allow light to pass through if used as a candle or votive holder. Lightweight but sturdy for tabletop use.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the bulbous 'rose-bowl' shape is designed for grasping the body or resting in a metal frame (missing).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial silver-plating for the era. The etching is cleanly executed and the assembly shows good Victorian attention to symmetry despite being a factory-produced item.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Pairpoint mark with period-correct font and diamond-P logo. The construction method (spun metal) and electroplating terminology perfectly match the late 1800s American manufacturing standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA. Manufactured in the Pairpoint factory, which was known for its technical precision in metalware and glass pairings.
Era & Period
Aesthetic Movement / Late Victorian (c. 1880-1900). Stylistic indicators include the focus on nature-inspired etching and stylized geometric piercings.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1895. The 'Quadruple Plate' designation and the specific circular Pairpoint mark are characteristic of the firm's output in the late 19th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the Gilded Age, where high-quality silver-plated goods allowed middle-class families to follow the complex dining and home decor rituals of the upper class.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant tarnish is present (sulfide deposits), but the plating appears largely intact without 'bleeding' of the base metal. Surface shows minor scratches and age-appropriate wear.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Factors include the maker's reputation (Pairpoint is collectible) and the condition of the plate; lack of a matching glass liner slightly reduces value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Since it is silver-plated, avoid over-polishing which can wear through to the base metal. Store in a dry place with anti-tarnish strips.
Similar Pieces
Gorham silver-plate hollowware (often more ornate), Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' plate, or Meriden B. Company silver-plate bowls. Pairpoint is often preferred by collectors for its more delicate, glass-influenced designs.
Interesting Facts
Pairpoint often created silver-plated holders specifically to house 'Burmese' or 'Peachblow' art glass produced by the Mount Washington Glass Company, which shared the same management.