Antique European 800 Silver Sugar? Bowl

By yulianel, 9 May, 2025
Description

This is an antique sugar bowl, but could also be used for nuts, jams or sauce.

Marked 800, likely of European origin.

I suspect German (German Jugendstil), Italian or Austrian-Hungarian, 1880-1930.

Has basketweave-style/mesh middle band, smooth interior and two ornate handles.

Without a lid, not sure if was produced with lid or without.

Great condition, smooth, has patina.

There is also a maker mark before the 800, looks like R0, but really hard to read.

65 gr of weight, 3'' tall,  bowl is 3.6'' in diameter, leg is 2'' in diameter.

If the maker is Italian, could be one of this two in RO: https://www.silvercollection.it/SILVERSMITHSRO.html 

 

Category
Silver and Silver Overlay
Medium
800 silver marked: 80% silver, 20% other metals.
Distinguishing marks
Hallmarked, but the maker's mark is hard to identify.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
3 inches tall
Date Period
1880-1930?
Weight
65 gr
History
unknown
Price Paid (If known)
3 CAD at thrift store.
For Sale?
Yes
Photos

NaidaTheCollector

3 weeks 6 days ago

Item Description:

  • Type: Sugar bowl or small handled dish (could have also been used for nuts, sauce, or preserves)
  • Material: Marked 800 silver (80% silver, 20% alloy)
  • Style: Decorative basketweave band and Rococo-style handles
  • Condition: Very good — light patina, no visible dents or significant wear

Dimensions & Weight:

  • Height: 3 inches
  • Bowl Diameter: 3.6 inches
  • Base Diameter: 2 inches
  • Weight: 65 grams (2.08 troy oz)

Markings & Origin:

  • Marked “800” indicating continental silver standard, common in Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Eastern Europe
  • Partial maker’s mark (appears to be R followed by an indistinct character) — could align with Italian silversmiths registered under “RO” per silvercollection.it
  • Jugendstil influence (German Art Nouveau, ca. 1890–1910) seen in form and handles
  • Could also be Italian Liberty Style or Austrian Secessionist

Historical & Style Analysis:

The basketweave band, ornate scrolled handles, and form are consistent with late 19th to early 20th century European silverwork — specifically Jugendstil (Germany/Austria) or Italian Liberty Style, both of which emphasized elegance in utility items.

Given the 800 silver mark and style cues, it was likely made between 1880 and 1930, possibly as part of a larger tea or table service.

Estimated Value (as of 2024):

Market Context

Approximate Value (USD)

Silver scrap (65g @ ~$0.75/g)

~$49

Collector / Decorative value

$120–$225

High-end auction (if identified)

$250–300+ (if maker confirmed)

 

Appraiser's Notes:

  • The decorative and collectible value far exceeds melt weight, especially with confirmation of European origin and artisan
  • While it's missing a lid, many similar pieces were open by design
  • If you can confirm the silversmith mark, value could significantly increase (especially if Italian or Viennese)

Recommendation:

  • If selling: List on platforms like Etsy, Ruby Lane, or eBay under “Antique 800 Silver Sugar Bowl, German/Italian Jugendstil, 1880s–1930s”
  • If holding or appraising formally: Consider showing to a European silver specialist or contacting a silver expert via silvercollection.it or a local fine antiques dealer
  • Avoid selling for scrap — this is a decorative and collectible piece
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