Nickel Silver Bowl Appraisal

WMF Silver-Plated Nickel Silver Bowl

This is a base-up view of a metal vessel, likely a small bowl or part of a hollowware set, manufactured by the renowned German firm Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF). The item is constructed from nickel silver (indicated by the 'NS' mark), which is a copper alloy with nickel and often zinc, and was originally finished with a silver-plate layer. The underside features a prominent stamped hallmark: 'WURTT. METALLW. FABRIK / GEISLINGEN-STEIGE' arranged in arched and straight lines, accompanied by the iconic WMF beehive-style logo. The '0.75' stamp likely refers to the silver plating thickness or a specific production size/volume code. Physically, the item shows a circular, rounded form with a convex bottom. The condition indicates significant age and heavy use; there is extensive surface scratching, heavy tarnish, and 'bleeding' where the silver plating has worn away to reveal the yellowish hue of the nickel silver base metal beneath. This specific style of mark was commonly used from the late 19th century into the Art Nouveau and early 20th-century periods (circa 1880-1920), reflecting the high-quality industrial craftsmanship of the Geislingen-Steige factory. Despite the surface wear, the structural integrity appears sound, and the clear manufacturer stamps preserve its historical and collectible value.