What does EPC on silver?
EPC stands for electroplated copper. Sheffield EPC refers to Old Sheffield Plate, a form of plate silver popular in the mid-1700s up to the 1840s. Instead it is likely silver-plated nickel from the 19th century or later. Search for a symbol or initials on the metal.
What does the hallmark EP mean?
a generic mark for Electro Plated, often used together with a “crown” E P B M. a generic mark for Electro Plated Britannia Metal used together or inside maker’s mark.
How to identify and date Sheffield EPC silver?
If you discover the stamped initials “EPBM” or “EPNS,” then it is not copper Sheffield plate. Instead it is likely silver-plated nickel from the 19th century or later. Search for a symbol or initials on the metal. Old Sheffield Plate is usually identified using certain names and dates imprinted on the metal.
What do the markings mean on a piece of silver?
Each unique piece is stamped, or hallmarked, with defining markings from the maker and the era it was verified in. If your silver piece has no markings, you probably do not have a legitimate piece. It is important to learn how to identify markings on silver in order to properly date and valuate each piece.
Where can I find American silver marks P?
Arts & Crafts silversmith, worked as spoonmaker for George Gebelein in Boston and maintained a small independent workshop. Retailers of fine quality sterling ware and fine jewelers. The first mark is found on his earliest work in spun brass, the second mark was used on most of his silver jewelry and the Pearson studio is still actively using it.
Is there a codified rule for marking electroplated pieces?
No codified rule was followed by the makers in the marking of their electroplated pieces. This makes difficult the research of information for inexperienced people. The objective of this page is to help the visitors of the site in deciphering the marks of their British silverplate.
If you discover the stamped initials “EPBM” or “EPNS,” then it is not copper Sheffield plate. Instead it is likely silver-plated nickel from the 19th century or later. Search for a symbol or initials on the metal. Old Sheffield Plate is usually identified using certain names and dates imprinted on the metal.
What does the control mark on sterling silver mean?
A typical hallmark on silver made in England for either export or sale in England. The control mark, a set of scales, was adopted in 1976. The scales mark certifies the acceptance of a 1976 treaty in which nations agreed to recognize each others hallmarks.
Do you need a date mark to sell silver in England?
Pieces for sale in England, as well as for export, must also have an English assay mark. Beginning in 1999, neither date marks nor the lion passant were required on silver made and sold in England. Date marks are now optional; the standard mark was replaced by 925. Pieces for export must include the 1976 convention hallmark, a scale.
What is the standard mark on a sterling silver plate?
The separate standard mark may appear as 925 only or 925 enclosed in a simple shape such as an oval, square or circle. If a piece was made in a foreign country for import into England, it would include a maker’s mark, control mark and standard mark.
