Silver-Plated Footed Sorbet or Sherbet Cup

This is a vintage footed dessert cup, commonly used for serving sherbet or sorbet, featuring a classic rounded bowl set upon a tapered pedestal stem with a circular tiered base. The item appears to be made of silver-plated brass or copper, characterized by its metallic silver luster. Its construction shows a seamless integration between the bowl and the stem, suggesting mid-20th-century industrial manufacturing. Regarding condition, the piece exhibits significant surface wear, including widespread pitting, dark tarnish spots, and micro-scratching indicative of frequent use and handling. The silver plating shows signs of thinning, particularly around the rim and the base, revealing a duller underlying metal. No visible maker's marks or hallmarks are immediately apparent on the exterior, though such marks are typically found stamped on the underside of the base. The style is utilitarian yet elegant, leaning towards a mid-century modern aesthetic. Its overall craftsmanship is standard for mass-produced hotel-ware or domestic silver-plate from the 1940s to 1960s. The patina suggests it has been stored in a humid environment or neglected for some time, requiring professional polishing to restore its original brilliance.