Late Victorian Style Footed Sugar Bowl
Decorative art, hollowware service piece • Likely American or British manufacturer such as Reed & Barton, International Silver, or Walker & Hall; exact maker requires inspection of base hallmarks
Style & Movement
Victorian / Edwardian Revival with Rococo influence
Medium & Technique
Silverplate over base metal (likely copper or nickel silver), featuring repoussé-style cast floral borders and scroll-work handles
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4-5 inches in height and 6-7 inches in width (including handles); rounded globular format
Subject Description
A globular open sugar bowl with two C-scroll handles, resting on four decorative cabriole-style feet. The rim is adorned with a raised relief floral and foliate vine pattern. It is part of a larger tea and coffee service set, designed for domestic table use.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant oxidation and heavy tarnish are present across the surface, though the structural integrity appears sound
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $40 USD (as a single orphaned piece of plated silver)
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a common household domestic item sold through department stores or jewelers, subsequently entering the secondary resale/estate market
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mass-produced silver-plated tableware that gained popularity in middle-class households during the industrial era, mimicking the aesthetic of solid sterling silver for a broader market.
Notable Features
The piece features ornate cast-metal feet and handles which are characteristic of late-19th-century eclectic styles; the heavy dark patina suggests long-term exposure to air without regular maintenance.
Condition Issues
Heavy tarnish and sulfurization; potential 'bleeding' where the silver plating may have worn thin to reveal the base metal (common in heavily used plated items); light surface scratching
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a non-abrasive silver cream and soft cloth to remove oxidation; avoid immersion in chemical dips which can strip the thin plating; store in a low-humidity environment with anti-tarnish paper