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How to Identify a Silver Tiffany Bowl

Tiffany and Company has been making fine silverware since 1868. Solid silver bowls from this renowned firm can range from small items for displaying bonbons to large punch bowls, but they should all exhibit a similarly high standard of manufacture. In addition, a silver bowl by Tiffany and Company is relatively simple to identify because it will have both a maker's stamp and a silver mark.

Instructions

- 1
  
  This bowl has tripod legs and an attractive frieze of flowers.
  
  Inspect the bowl to ascertain whether it is a bowl and not some other form of ware. The primary feature of a bowl is its central well, but the well can vary in size and can have handles, a lid, a pedestal base or a myriad of other decorative features. On the other hand, a bowl can be very plain. Although not all bowls are used for holding liquid, it should be capable of doing so. Therefore, if the piece has a pierced decoration that would let out liquid, then it should properly be classed as a dish, basket or some other ware.
- 2
  Examine the base for a stamped mark. Look in particular for the words "Tiffany &Co." and "Sterling." These words appear on all items of Tiffany silverware from the present day back to the 1870s. In addition, there should be a pattern number. For pieces made between the 1860s and the 1960s, you will also find a single capital letter, which is the initial of Tiffany's artistic director at the time the bowl was manufactured.
- 3
  Inspect these marks thoroughly. Their presence on your bowl means that it almost certainly is Tiffany and solid silver. However, dealers have been known both to fake marks and to solder genuine Tiffany marks onto pieces by other makers. For absolute confidence, look for a crisp impression. Be wary of any blurring or scoring in the area of the marks.
- 4
  Examine the bowl once again, this time focusing on the rim and any decorative features. Wherever you look, you should see smooth, impeccable workmanship. If the piece seems poorly finished, then it is unlikely to have started life in a Tiffany showroom.

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