Vintage Alpaka Silver Pedestal Dessert Cups

Vintage Alpaka silver or silver-plated pedestal dessert cups, set of four.

Pedestal cups, also known as coupe glasses or dessert bowls, have a long history in tableware, evolving from early stemmed goblets used for wine and other beverages. Their design, with a wide bowl atop a stem and foot, was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for serving desserts like ice cream, fruit, and custards, as well as cocktails. The use of silver or silver-plated materials, or alloys like Alpaka (German silver), was common for decorative and functional tableware during this era, adding a touch of elegance to dining. Alpaka, or German silver, is a metal alloy consisting of copper, nickel, and zinc, which resembles silver but is more durable and less expensive. It was widely used for decorative items and tableware, often being silver-plated to enhance its appearance. These types of cups were produced by various manufacturers across Europe and the United States, particularly during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and remain collectible for their vintage charm and craftsmanship.

• Period: Circa 1920-1940
• Origin: Europe