Postle & Sheffield Silver Plated Flatware
Flatware · Postle & Sheffield, British manufacturer known for producing silver plated utilitarian flatware and cutlery.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian line, mid-20th century production.
Type
Flatware
Maker
Postle & Sheffield, British manufacturer known for producing silver plated utilitarian flatware and cutlery.
Material
Silver plate over a base metal alloy, likely nickel silver or brass base as indicated by the golden undertones showing through worn plating.
Dimensions
Standard full-size flatware dimensions, individual piece weight typical for plated steel or alloy core cutlery.
Description
A collection of silver-plated flatware items featuring the distinct maker's stamp of Postle of Sheffield. The pieces exhibit significant wear to the silver plating, exposing a warm golden brassy base metal underneath. The handles feature a simple, tapered utilitarian design stamped clearly with the manufacturer details.
Key Features
Distinct rectangular hallmark stamp reading 'POSTLE - SHEFFIELD' alongside 'SILVA', indicating a specific British regional maker and brand line.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over a base metal alloy, likely nickel silver or brass base as indicated by the golden undertones showing through worn plating.
Finish & Decoration
Plain, functional finish with minimal to no decorative engraving, typical of institutional or everyday household cutlery.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker mark reading "SILVA" near the top and "POSTLE - SHEFFIELD" inside a recessed rectangular cartouche along the stem.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and rolled manufacturing, typical of mass-produced 20th-century silver-plated flatware.
Functional Features
Designed for everyday dining use with standard handle ergonomics.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid-form tapered handle integrated directly into the flatware blank, showing extensive loss of silver plating revealing the underlying brassy base metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-stamped production optimized for durability and mass market distribution rather than hand-wrought artistry.
Authentication Indicators
Impressed hallmarks are deeply and cleanly struck into the metal, consistent with authentic mid-century British trade stamping techniques.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, a historic hub for British cutlery and silver plating industries.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930-1960)
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1940-1960 based on font style and manufacturing characteristics.
Cultural Significance
Represents the widespread adoption of affordable silver-plated tableware for everyday households during the industrial era.
Condition Notes
Heavy wear to the silver plating with extensive base metal bleed-through giving a brassy appearance. Surface scratches and minor tarnish present. Grade: Fair.
Value Estimate
Low collector value due to heavy plate loss; primarily of scrap or utilitarian nostalgic interest, valued under $5-$10 per piece.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water. Avoid aggressive polishing since the silver plating is already severely worn down.
Similar Pieces
Other British electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) flatware from Sheffield makers such as cooperating local firms in the mid-20th century.
Interesting Facts
Sheffield has been world-renowned for its cutlery and silver plating innovations since the invention of Sheffield Plate in the 18th century.