Silver Bud Vase (Decorative Object, resting on a Vanity Cabinet)
Other / Decorative Accessory (photographed on top of a Bathroom Vanity / Basin Cabinet) · Traditional / Mid-20th Century Decorative Metalware on a Contemporary Bathroom Vanity · Unmarked generic manufacturer (common silverplate makers include Gorham, Towle, or International Silver)
Type
Other / Decorative Accessory (photographed on top of a Bathroom Vanity / Basin Cabinet)
Style Period
Traditional / Mid-20th Century Decorative Metalware on a Contemporary Bathroom Vanity
Material
Metal (Sterling Silver or Silver-Plated sheet metal with a weighted pitch/cement core); background furniture surface is molded acrylic or cultured marble composite
Age Estimate
Vase: Circa 1940s-1980s; Vanity Surface: Circa 1990s-Present
Dimensions
Vase: Height ~6-8 inches, Rim Diameter ~2 inches, Base Diameter ~2 inches. Vanity Countertop beneath: Standard 21 inches depth
Origin
Likely North American or European manufacture
Designer/Maker
Unmarked generic manufacturer (common silverplate makers include Gorham, Towle, or International Silver)
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD (decorative retail/resale value for a single silverplate bud vase)
Description
The item featured prominently in the foreground is a classic silver-toned single-stem bud vase with a flared trumpet rim, a slender tapered neck, and a bulbous compressed knop above a stepped round base. It rests upon the smooth, molded edge of a light cream/white bathroom vanity top.
Key Features
Flared rim trumpet opening, central sphere/knop motif above a stepped circular base, silver-plated polished finish
Color & Finish
Polished metallic silver with natural oxidation/tarnish in crevices; white glossy molded resin/composite top on the supporting vanity
Construction Method
Machine-spun hollow metal forming a trumpet neck and bulbous pedestal base; attached to a weighted circular footing
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Soldered neck and base construction for metal vase; seamless molded synthetic construction for the vanity basin underneath
Wood Grain & Species
No visible wood component present in the frame
Surface Treatment
High-polish silver plating/finishing with light surface scratches and minor tarnishing
Upholstery Details
None present on this metal decorative object or synthetic counter surface
Hardware & Fittings
Not applicable for this standalone small decorative accessory
Origin & Provenance
Likely North American or European manufacture
Condition Notes
Good condition; displays light surface tarnishing, minor superficial micro-scratching typical of polished silverplate, and small dark oxidation spots
Interesting Facts
Weighted silver bud vases were extremely popular mid-century wedding and anniversary gifts, designed with heavy pitch-filled bases to prevent top-heavy floral arrangements from tipping over.
Cultural Significance
Represents classic mid-to-late 20th-century tabletop silver accessory design, widely used for single-flower displays in formal or powder room settings.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver vs. silver-plated bud vases; silver-plated versions are lighter and often feature electroplated nickel silver bases.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gently using a dedicated non-abrasive silver polish cream and soft microfiber cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners or submerging weighted bases in water.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD (decorative retail/resale value for a single silverplate bud vase)
Sustainability Notes
Vintage metalware offers infinite reusability and can be melted down/recycled indefinitely without material degradation.