Vintage
Please Note: these items are sold as seen. Although we are careful to select quality pieces in good condition, it is natural to find slight imperfections and blemishes due to the fact that they are antiques over 100 years old.
These items have been sourced from various antique markets in Britain – a popular way of shopping for exquisite items in the UK. Whilst sourcing silver-plate items, here is some history to bear in mind:
Electro-plating
In 1840 the invention of the electrochemical deposition of silver onto base metals such as nickel produced many fine objects, which are now becoming more and more sought after by collectors. In 1896 it became the law that pieces had to be marked EPNS for 'electroplated nickel silver'. It is often quite difficult To precisely date an electroplated item is often quite difficult, however, some makers, such as Elkington & Co., marked the date on their pieces. Electroplated pieces are dated based on their style and construction, generating a fairly accurate circa date within 5 to 10 years either side.
The majority of silverware was made in the 19th Century when the middle classes had a new found wealth and the British Empire was at its height. The Industrial revolution meant great competition for the traditional silversmiths who were still making by hand. Popular styles included Naturalism, Rococo, Gothic and Neoclassical. The Arts and Crafts movement which came towards the end of the century was a reaction against the stylized and mass produced articles now typical of the period.
Please Note: these items are sold as seen. Although we are careful to select quality pieces in good condition, it is natural to find slight imperfections and blemishes due to the fact that they are antiques over 100 years old.
These items have been sourced from various antique markets in Britain – a popular way of shopping for exquisite items in the UK. Whilst sourcing silver-plate items, here is some history to bear in mind:
Electro-plating
In 1840 the invention of the electrochemical deposition of silver onto base metals such as nickel produced many fine objects, which are now becoming more and more sought after by collectors. In 1896 it became the law that pieces had to be marked EPNS for 'electroplated nickel silver'. It is often quite difficult To precisely date an electroplated item is often quite difficult, however, some makers, such as Elkington & Co., marked the date on their pieces. Electroplated pieces are dated based on their style and construction, generating a fairly accurate circa date within 5 to 10 years either side.
The majority of silverware was made in the 19th Century when the middle classes had a new found wealth and the British Empire was at its height. The Industrial revolution meant great competition for the traditional silversmiths who were still making by hand. Popular styles included Naturalism, Rococo, Gothic and Neoclassical. The Arts and Crafts movement which came towards the end of the century was a reaction against the stylized and mass produced articles now typical of the period.
