Item Report
Mid-20th Century Industrial Tin Measuring Cup
By: Unknown (mass-produced)
Style: Industrial Functional
Origin: United States or Western Europe
Materials: Tin-plated steel
Age: circa 1940-1960
Condition: Very Good (light oxidation, surface wear, no major dents)
Value: $20 - $40
Maker's Marks / Writing: Embossed with 'CAPACITY 400 CC'
Date: 2025-06-28 15:44:26.569998
Description:
This is a utilitarian measuring cup, likely from the mid-20th century, constructed of tin-plated steel. The form is cylindrical with an integral strap handle and rolled rim. The embossing reads 'CAPACITY 400 CC,' suggesting metric measuring standards, common in laboratory, medical, or food service use rather than household kitchenware. This no-nonsense, functional object is characteristic of industrial or institutional wares of the period, prized today for their vintage industrial aesthetic.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes: industrial tinware like this is rarely faked, but beware of modern reproductions with artificially induced patina. This particular piece appears authentic, evidenced by its wear patterns and utilitarian engraving. While not rare, it embodies the practical character of 20th-century institutional kitchen or lab equipment and has modest decorative or collecting value.
Individual Images:
- Only one image submitted. The main image shows typical wear and some oxidation appropriate to age. Handle attachment and embossed mark are in focus
- both of which are consistent with industrial production standards from the mid-20th century.
Provenance:
None provided
Condition:
Very Good (light oxidation, surface wear, no major dents)
Identification Score: 98%
The piece can be confidently identified because of its standardized form, metric capacity marking, and material consistent with industrial or laboratory wares from the mid-20th century. Small uncertainty remains as some similar pieces were produced into the late 20th century.
Authenticity Score: 90%
The visible wear, patina, and construction technique are consistent with mid-century originals. The utilitarian engraving and lack of ornate detail further support authenticity. Not 100% due to some possibility of later production, but fakes are rare in this category.
Image Memory Note
Narrow cylindrical tin measuring cup with side handle and 400cc embossed capacity claim, mid-century industrial/lab origin likely.
Keywords
tin measuring cup, industrial, mid-century, 400cc, United States, laboratory, kitchenware, metric, utilitarian
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