E.P.B. Silver-Plated Flatware in Jugendstil Floral Pattern
Flatware · E.P.B. (Eduard Pelikan, Budapest), a notable Austro-Hungarian and later Hungarian manufacturer of high-quality silver-plated wares.
Pattern: Jugendstil Floral (unnamed pattern), late 19th/early 20th century, common in the Austro-Hungarian Secessionist tradition.
Type
Flatware
Maker
E.P.B. (Eduard Pelikan, Budapest), a notable Austro-Hungarian and later Hungarian manufacturer of high-quality silver-plated wares.
Material
Silver Plated; typically a 90-gram silver plating over a base of Alpaca (Nickel Silver/German Silver), as indicated by the '90' stamp.
Dimensions
Estimated 20-22cm for dinner fork/spoon; weight approximately 60-80 grams depending on specific piece type.
Description
A graceful example of Hungarian Jugendstil flatware, this piece showcases the elegant organic movement favored by Central European smiths at the turn of the century. The E.P.B. mark represents a bridge between industrial manufacturing and high-art design, featuring floral relief that wraps around the handle edges in a fluid, sculptural manner.
Key Features
The '90' silver plating mark and the distinctive script 'E.P.B.' mark are the primary diagnostic traits. The pattern features 'whiplash' organic lines typical of the Secessionist movement.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated; typically a 90-gram silver plating over a base of Alpaca (Nickel Silver/German Silver), as indicated by the '90' stamp.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and high-polish combination; Art Nouveau/Jugendstil style featuring flowing organic lines, iris-like foliage, and recessed darkened areas to highlight relief.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '90' indicating the thickness of silver plating (German/Austro-Hungarian standard), followed by the maker's initials 'E.P.B.' in script within a cartouche.
Construction Details
Die-struck/machine-stamped from a flat sheet of nickel silver, then electroplated with silver and polished.
Functional Features
Standard dining utility; likely a dinner fork or tablespoon based on the visible handle bolster and scale.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered handle with a flared end, featuring raised relief texture for improved grip and aesthetic flow; solid base metal construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Heavy-gauge die-striking shows high production quality; the crispness of the script in the hallmark indicates well-maintained shop tools.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep-struck '90' mark indicates authentic silver plating standards of the period. Script initials match known catalog marks for Eduard Pelikan.
Origin & Manufacturing
Budapest, Hungary (Austro-Hungarian Empire era), workshop of Eduard Pelikan.
Era & Period
Jugendstil / Art Nouveau (c. 1890-1910), characterized by 'whiplash' curves and naturalistic motifs common in Central Europe.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1915, based on the specific typography of the E.P.B. stamp and the height of the Jugendstil movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the middle class in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where high-quality silver plate allowed families to emulate the lifestyle of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Good condition; moderate tarnish in the recessed areas (natural patina for the age). Visible surface scratches consistent with use; some thinning of plate may be present on high-contact points (heels/tines).
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 per individual piece depending on the specific item (serving pieces worth more); full sets can command $300 - $600.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only; use a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid dishwashers, which strip the silver plating over time and can cause 'bleeding' of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Berndorf (Alpacca) pieces or Krupp Milano flatware; these often feature similar '90' or '100' plating marks but different maker logos.
Interesting Facts
The '90' stamp is a German silver plating standard meaning that 90 grams of pure silver were used to plate a set of 24 pieces (12 forks and 12 spoons).