Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Footed Bowl by H.A. Toresson
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Centerpiece) · H.A. Toresson, Malmö, Sweden. A notable Swedish manufacturer active in the mid-20th century, specializing in silver-plated decorative wares following Scandinavian functionalist traditions.
Pattern: Undesignated Geometric Modernist pattern, typical of Swedish Export ware from the 1940s-1960s.
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Centerpiece)
Maker
H.A. Toresson, Malmö, Sweden. A notable Swedish manufacturer active in the mid-20th century, specializing in silver-plated decorative wares following Scandinavian functionalist traditions.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated White Metal or Copper). The base metal is likely brass or a nickel alloy, covered with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches); Estimated height: 6-8 cm. Estimated weight: 500-700 grams.
Description
A classic example of Swedish Mid-Century silver plate, this footed bowl features a sleek, stepped circular form that emphasizes geometric simplicity. The bowl rests on a distinctive four-legged cast base, providing a subtle contrast to the clean lines of the spun body. Despite its current heavy tarnish, the piece retains the elegant proportions characteristic of Toresson's export-quality hollowware.
Key Features
The 'H.A. TORESSON' maker's stamp, the stepped 'Art Deco transition' profile of the bowl, and the quadruple-lobed foot structure.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated White Metal or Copper). The base metal is likely brass or a nickel alloy, covered with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Currently exhibits heavy 'fire' tarnish or prismatic sulfide oxidation. Original finish was likely a high-polish mirror finish. Decorative elements include a cast quadruple-point foot with stylized scrolling and a stepped circular body.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamp visible on the underside reads: 'H.A. TORESSON', 'MADE IN SWEDEN', 'S.P. BRASS' (indicating Silver Plate over Brass), and potentially a city mark for Malmö.
Construction Details
Spun body with a separately cast foot assembly attached via silver solder. The stepped concentric circles indicate a lathe-spinning manufacturing process.
Functional Features
Low-profile footed base for stability, intended for use as a fruit bowl or table centerpiece.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Handleless design). The 'grip' is provided by the wide, flat rim of the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The soldering of the base to the spun body is clean, and the concentric stepping of the bowl is perfectly symmetrical, indicating skilled lathe work.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the clear factory stamp including the metal content (S.P. Brass) and the manufacturing origin (Sweden) consistent with post-WWII exports.
Origin & Manufacturing
Malmö, Sweden. Produced during the height of Swedish industrial design influenced by the Bauhaus and Scandinavian Modern movements.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-War Swedish functionalism), approximately 1945-1960.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The font of the stamp and the 'Made in Sweden' export mark are indicative of the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Swedish Grace' movement's shift into mass-market industrial design, where functionality and clean lines became a hallmark of Scandinavian identity in the global market.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The piece is heavily oxidized with colorful 'rainbow' tarnish, which may mask underlying silver loss (copper-showing). No major dents are visible, but the surface suggests long-term exposure to sulfur.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Value is somewhat limited by the fact that it is silver plate rather than solid sterling, and the heavy tarnish requires significant restoration labor.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid silver 'dips' as they can damage the thin plating. Once cleaned, store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with GAB (Guldvaruaktiebolaget) or Prima NS pieces, but Toresson pieces generally have more industrial, spun characteristics compared to handcrafted studio silver.
Interesting Facts
H.A. Toresson was a significant contributor to the democratization of Swedish design, making the 'Swedish Modern' aesthetic accessible to the middle class through high-quality silver plating.