Antique Hand-Etched Indian Brass Goblet — ca. 1900–1930

This object comes from a long-held private collection formed over decades of collecting. The seller has been an eBay member since 2015 as a buyer and only recently began releasing selected pieces, including this one.

This is an early 20th-century Indian goblet made of lathe-turned brass alloy, likely from Kashmir or Moradabad. The surface is intricately hand-etched with floral and geometric motifs, originally pigmented and later enhanced with red and black color infill.

The vessel is sealed with an organic filler plug at the base of the stem—composed of fibrous plant matter or resin-soaked wood—consistent with traditional Indo-Islamic brasswork. The base bears a hand-punched "MADE IN INDIA" mark, applied to comply with export regulations of the colonial period.

Recent UV testing confirms that the red pigment was later enhanced using a modern synthetic lacquer (likely post-1950), but the metalwork itself remains entirely original and consistent with pre-independence production.

• Dimensions: 6" tall × 2" max diameter

• Weight: 206 grams

• Markings: “MADE IN INDIA” (individually hand-punched)

• Construction: Lathe-turned body, press-fit or soldered base, organic core plug

Provenance statement:

Acquired in the United States from an antique shop (2020s); prior collection history unknown.

Disclaimer
This item is offered as an antique ethnographic artifact and is not represented as contemporary Native American-made under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

Guarantee

This item was carefully researched, appraised and authenticated. It is described and photographed as accurate as I can. The description and condition report are guaranteed to match the item condition. Please review photos as they form part of the description. 

• Returns & Inspection

  A 14-day inspection period is provided from the date of delivery to allow in-person evaluation of the piece, for domestic sell only. 

  
  

  Returns are accepted within this period provided the item is returned in the same condition in which it was received. 

  Please contact me before retuning for coordinating the return with my signature safely.

  
  

  Returned items must be shipped fully insured and with signature confirmation required upon delivery. Buyer pays for insured return. 

  If the reason for return is a damage, please document the damage and package condition for insurance purposes.

  
  

  Returns not accepted for international sells. Please review description and images carefully or contact prior to purchase.”

  
  

  Shipping

  All items are packed professionally with insurance equal to purchase price. High value items will require an adult signature for the delivery to be completed

  If an item arrives damaged, please photograph the box, packaging, and item immediately and retain all materials until the insurance claim is processed.

  
  

  Note: All international sales are final. Buyers are responsible for customs duties, taxes, and clearance requirements.