Small Brass Vintage Calderon and Mini Goblets

Item Overview

• Objects:
  • 1 Small Brass Cauldron-style Bowl
  • 3 Miniature Brass Goblets
• Material: Likely solid brass, possibly with some copper alloying (especially in the bowl/cauldron)
• Estimated Age: Mid-20th century (c. 1950s–1970s)
• Condition: Good – shows age-appropriate wear and patina. Tarnishing is visible, particularly on the goblets, but structurally sound.

Description and Analysis

Cauldron-Style Bowl

• Design Features:
  • Rounded body with slightly flared rim
  • Decorative handles (possibly cast iron or reinforced brass)
  • Tripod-style feet, common in vintage planter pots or incense burners
• Function: This piece could have served multiple decorative or practical purposes:
  • Small planter
  • Decorative incense burner
  • Coin pot or general-purpose decorative vessel
  • Occasionally sold as part of tabletop "witchy" or folk sets (especially in the 1970s)

Mini Goblets

• Style: Classical tulip-shaped cups with slim stems and round bases
• Craftsmanship:
  • Hammered or cast brass
  • Aged surface patina suggests authenticity and adds appeal for vintage collectors
• Possible Use: Miniature display goblets, possibly for liquor tastings or symbolic ceremonial use (though less likely for active food use due to size and material wear)

Historical Context

Mini brass items like these became popular decorative objects in the mid-20th century during a revival of interest in medieval, colonial, and Victorian-style furnishings. They were produced in large numbers across India, the Middle East, and Europe for export to the West.

Brass items were especially popular in:

• 1950s–1970s U.S. and U.K. home décor trends
• Giftware and decorative sets for dens, bars, or rustic home settings
• Folk or "witchcraft" themed collections during the New Age boom of the 60s–70s

Current Market Value (USD)

• Individual Cauldron/Bowl: $20–$35
• Mini Goblets (set of 3): $15–$25
• Combined Value as a Set: $35–$60

Collectors value patina and condition. A cleaned, polished version might appeal to modern décor buyers, while current tarnish/patina is attractive to antique purists.

Collector Notes

• Appeal: Great for collectors of vintage brass, rustic kitchenalia, or altar/ceremonial setups.
• Maintenance: Can be cleaned with lemon juice and baking soda or commercial brass polish—though doing so may reduce value to antique buyers preferring original patina.
• No Maker’s Mark Visible: Most likely a mass-produced decorative export from India or the Middle East. If marked on the base, identifying stamp could increase provenance and value.

Recommendation

A professional appraisal is not strictly necessary for resale or casual collection purposes. However, if you suspect the cauldron or goblets have specific ethnic, artisan, or religious use (such as ritual brassware), consultation with a specialist in ethnographic or ceremonial artifacts could yield more historical detail and possibly a higher valuation.