Mappin & Webb King's Plate Electroplated Brass Footed Vessel
Hollowware (likely a Chalice, Goblet, or small Vase) · Mappin & Webb. This prestigious British silversmith, founded in 1775, is a Royal Warrant holder. Their 'King's Plate' brand was a high-quality triple-deposit silver plating process designed to compete with sterling in appearance and durability.
Pattern: King's Plate Collection, pattern number 664. This specific line was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Chalice, Goblet, or small Vase)
Maker
Mappin & Webb. This prestigious British silversmith, founded in 1775, is a Royal Warrant holder. Their 'King's Plate' brand was a high-quality triple-deposit silver plating process designed to compete with sterling in appearance and durability.
Material
Electroplated Silver over Brass (E.P. BRASS). Unlike common electroplated nickel silver (EPNS), this uses a brass base which gives it a heavier, more resonant feel but can show a golden hue (bleeding) if the silver layer is polished away.
Dimensions
Estimated height 15-20cm, weight approximately 300-450 grams. The base diameter appears consistent with standard table hollowware.
Description
A sturdy and elegantly simple piece of British hollowware by the renowned Mappin & Webb. While not solid silver, the 'King's Plate' designation represents the pinnacle of electroplating technology from the era, featuring a heavy silver deposit over a brass core to ensure a 'rich' feel and lasting shine.
Key Features
The 'E.P. BRASS' stamp is relatively rare compared to E.P.N.S., indicating a warmer base metal. The specific pattern number '664' is a key identifier for Mappin & Webb cataloging.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Silver over Brass (E.P. BRASS). Unlike common electroplated nickel silver (EPNS), this uses a brass base which gives it a heavier, more resonant feel but can show a golden hue (bleeding) if the silver layer is polished away.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with visible iridescent oxidation (tarnish). The interior of the foot shows concentric spinning marks from the manufacturing process.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'KING'S PLATE', 'E.P. BRASS', and catalogue/model number '664'. Note the absence of a 'Lion Passant' or assay office marks, confirming this is silver plate and not solid sterling silver.
Construction Details
Machine-spun and die-struck. The circular lines visible on the underside of the base indicate it was formed on a lathe. The central recessed stamp area is a characteristic feature of late Victorian and Edwardian factory production.
Functional Features
Weighted or stable pedestal base; the hollow underside suggests a top-heavy vessel design such as a goblet or a trophy cup.
Handle & Grip Details
The base view does not show handles, though similar '664' models typically feature a smooth, unadorned stem for easy gripping.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality craftsmanship; the stamping is clean and centered, and the spinning marks are uniform, reflecting the high standards of a major English factory.
Authentication Indicators
The font and spacing of the Mappin & Webb 'King's Plate' mark are consistent with known authentic industrial examples from the Sheffield workshops.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield or London, United Kingdom. Mappin & Webb operated major factories in Sheffield, the heart of the British silver plating industry.
Era & Period
Modern/Early 20th Century (likely Edwardian or early Art Deco). The sans-serif block lettering for 'KING'S PLATE' suggests a post-Victorian manufacturing date.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1940. The stamping style and numbering sequences are typical of mid-market hospitality or domestic silver plate from this window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the early 20th century, allowing middle-class households and grand hotels to display 'silver' that looked and felt nearly identical to the solid pieces of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Good structural condition. Heavy iridescent tarnish and sulfide buildup present on the base. No visible 'bleeding' of brass yet, though the red grease pencil 'x2' indicates it may have been through a thrift or antique stall recently.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 USD. Value is held back by the electroplated nature and the presence of grease pencil marks, but boosted by the Mappin & Webb brand name.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer and expose the brass base.
Similar Pieces
EPNS Goblets by Elkington & Co.; Sterling Silver chalices by Barker Brothers (the latter would have hallmarks instead of the King's Plate stamp).
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb has supplied silver to five successive British monarchs. Their King's Plate was so well-regarded that it was often used in high-end hotels and on luxury ocean liners.