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Author	Topic: Square Based Goblet
ahwt Posts: 2334 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-10-2013 08:57 PM [01-3072] Above is a very attractive unmarked silver goblet that a friend of mine recently purchased. The repoussé decoration looks as if it was made in Baltimore; however l do not remember seeing a square base on any Baltimore goblets. Actually I don’t remember seeing a square base on any American goblets of this type. The dealer thought that this might be an unmarked Chinese export piece. Are the square bases on these goblets an indication of the country of origin? IP: Logged
agphile Posts: 798 Registered: Apr 2008	posted 05-12-2013 11:39 AM I don't know whether the form of this piece might suggest its origin. To me, the overall shape and decoration as well as the square base imply that it was meant as a display piece rather than a drinking vessel, but I am no expert in this area. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 05-12-2013 11:51 AM It might help if we knew the size and whether it is cast. In the photo, it looks cast. Is there a close up photo looking into the base and one looking into the cup? IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-12-2013 12:18 PM I'm not sure I have ever heard of square bases being indicative of country of origin, or of heavy design being indicative of only Baltimore. As Scott suggested, size and whether it is cast or something else might help. Also, could you please provide a photo of the bottom to show the construction there and a clear closeup or two of the designs to show the details. IP: Logged
ahwt Posts: 2334 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-12-2013 10:26 PM Thanks for all your input. I saw these in Atlanta this weekend and only had my phone to take a picture. The goblets (a matched pair) are going to the daughter of our friend and I will most likely never see them again. I did look underneath for a mark and they did seem to have the look as any other goblet of coin or sterling from the 1800s. The square base does not seem to be American or English and any other country probably is just a guess until one fully marked is found. IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 05-13-2013 02:01 PM Here is an example (continental chalice) identified by Sazikov as Polish IP: Logged
Kimo Posts: 1627 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-13-2013 05:05 PM The lack of markings suggest it could be a non-silver alloy, or that it was made for being donated for religious purposes and so would not have needed any kind of hallmarking, or perhaps is was made in a country where hallmarks and other silver marking was less than rigorous. The design could be anything from American to Continental (Spain or eastern Europe?), to Middle Eastern, to Asian (China, India?), to Latin American. The lack of any markings also make me think American may be the least likely. It is nice looking and would make a lovely gift whatever it is. By the way, how high are they, approximately? [This message has been edited by Kimo (edited 05-13-2013).] IP: Logged
ahwt Posts: 2334 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 05-13-2013 10:42 PM They are water sized goblets about 7 to 7 1/2 inches in height. Until I saw the base I thought they may have been American coin with a nice patina. Swarter's link is interesting and does show that square bases show up in some markets. IP: Logged
ahwt Posts: 2334 Registered: Mar 2003	posted 06-20-2013 09:53 AM I am not sure why I am interested in square bases on goblets, but another square base goblet turned in a now completed auction. This attractive goblet is by A E Warner and is marked for the 11oz standard. The square base is extremely uncommon and I wonder why Warner used it. IP: Logged

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