Stainless Steel Utilitarian Basin or Mixing Bowl
Hollowware (Kitchen/Utility Bowl) · Unknown; typical of mass-produced commercial or domestic kitchenware manufacturers
Pattern: Generic deep basin pattern; non-decorative utilitarian design
Type
Hollowware (Kitchen/Utility Bowl)
Maker
Unknown; typical of mass-produced commercial or domestic kitchenware manufacturers
Material
Stainless Steel (likely 304 or 18/8 food-grade steel); contains no silver content
Dimensions
Estimated 15-20cm diameter; 8-10cm height; weight approximately 300-500 grams
Description
A deep, cylindrical utilitarian bowl constructed from industrial stainless steel. Unlike precious silver hollowware, this piece is designed for durability and sanitation in a kitchen or veterinary setting. The absence of a foot, decorative molding, or tarnish-prone material indicates a modern mass-produced item common in household retail environments.
Key Features
High vertical walls, flat bottom, rolled safety rim, and greyish-blue metallic hue characteristic of steel rather than the warm white of silver.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel (likely 304 or 18/8 food-grade steel); contains no silver content
Finish & Decoration
Brushed or satin interior finish with a polished rim; lacks any engraving, chasing, or precious metal hallmarks
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in image; likely stamped on the bottom with 'Stainless Steel' or a manufacturer logo
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or deep-drawn from a single sheet of industrial steel; mechanical rolled rim
Functional Features
Flat stable base, steep vertical walls for containment, rolled edge for rigidity
Handle & Grip Details
None; features a continuous rim edge for grip
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; uniform wall thickness and perfectly concentric circles indicate machine production rather than hand-wrought silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Visual lack of hallmarks, non-reactive surface finish, and mechanical 'spun' texture inside; lacks the depth/patina found in silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely mass-manufactured in China, India, or Southeast Asia for the global kitchenware market
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th to 21st century); contemporary industrial design
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-present; contemporary
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from silver domestic objects to affordable, durable industrial materials for the general public.
Condition Notes
Good; shows surface scuffing and water spotting consistent with household use. Significant lack of oxidation or sulfide tarnish typical of silver.
Value Estimate
Retail value approximately $5.00 - $15.00 USD; negligible resale value as it lacks precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe; can be cleaned with standard abrasive cleansers which would be catastrophic for genuine silver.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver mixing bowls by Revere or Tiffany would feature footed bases, hallmarks, and a much brighter, warmer luster.
Interesting Facts
Stainless steel was developed in the early 20th century and replaced silver for most utilitarian tasks because it does not react with acidic foods.