Pedestal Gravy Boat Appraisal

Vintage Silver-Plated Pedestal Gravy Boat with Attached Underplate

This is a mid-20th-century gravy boat or sauce boat, likely of American or European origin, featuring a classic double-spouted design. The item is constructed from silver-plated base metal, possibly brass or copper, as indicated by the yellowish tone visible in areas of significant plating loss on the pedestal and underplate. It consists of an oval, boat-shaped vessel with a gently scalloped rim, mounted on a short flared pedestal foot that is permanently attached to a matching oval underplate. The underplate features a decorative gadrooned or rope-twist border along the edge, adding a touch of traditional formal style. Physically, the item shows significant signs of age and wear; there is heavy, dark tarnish (sulfidation) across the exterior of the bowl, and the silver plating has worn thin on the interior of the plate and the base, revealing the warmer-toned base metal beneath. No specific maker's marks are visible from this angle, but such pieces were commonly produced by firms like Reed & Barton, Oneida, or Sheridan throughout the mid-1900s. The craftsmanship is of standard commercial quality for table service of that era, intended for mid-market domestic use. The overall condition would be described as 'fair' due to the extensive surface oxidation and plate wear, which necessitates professional cleaning and potentially replating to restore its original luster.