Meriden Britannia Co. Silver Plate Footed Bowl, Number 2093
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote) · Meriden Britannia Company (Hamilton, Ontario branch). Originally founded in Meriden, Connecticut in 1852, they became a major component of International Silver Co. in 1898. They were renowned for high-quality Victorian electroplated wares.
Pattern: Design Number 2093; characteristic of Late Victorian Ornate Scroll style. Pattern names were less common than production numbers for silver-plated hollowware of this era.
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Meriden Britannia Company (Hamilton, Ontario branch). Originally founded in Meriden, Connecticut in 1852, they became a major component of International Silver Co. in 1898. They were renowned for high-quality Victorian electroplated wares.
Material
Electroplated White Metal (EPWM). This consists of a base metal alloy (typically nickel silver/white metal) coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter, 3-5 inches in height. Weight approximately 400-600 grams. Standard 'medium' sized centerpiece bowl.
Description
An elegant example of Canadian-made Victorian hollowware. This footed bowl features the characteristic heavy silver plating that made Meriden Britannia a household name. The four ornate scroll feet provide a sturdy, elevated silhouette perfect for a dining table centerpiece. The interior retains much of its original luster, while the bottom displays the proud stamps of the Hamilton workshop.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'Hamilton, Canada' localized stamp; the EPWM (White Metal) base which provides a more silver-like color when worn compared to copper-based plating.
Material & Composition
Electroplated White Metal (EPWM). This consists of a base metal alloy (typically nickel silver/white metal) coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish interior with a gadrooned or scrolled border. Decorative cast scrolling 'foliate' feet. The overall style is Neo-Rococo or Late Victorian.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'EP WM' (Electroplated White Metal); 'MADE AND GUARANTEED BY' with the Meriden Britannia logo (a scale inside a circle); Catalog/Model number '2093'; and 'HAMILTON, CANADA' indicating the specific production plant.
Construction Details
Machine-spun circular body with mass-produced cast feet attached via lead or silver solder. The manufacturing process was industrialized rather than hand-wrought.
Functional Features
Elevated footed base to display fruit or sweets; reinforced rim to prevent warping; heat-conductive body typical of serving vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (The specimen shown is a bowl without handles, characterized by its four scrolled feet which serve as the grip points for moving the piece).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-quality. While not hand-hammered, the quality of the casting on the feet and the thickness of the plating 'guarantee' mentioned in the stamp reflect a high factory standard.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are die-struck with clean edges; the 'EP WM' designation is standard for the 1890-1910 period; wear patterns on the feet are consistent with a century of placement on hard surfaces.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Produced in the Canadian factory established by the American parent company to service the British Commonwealth market and avoid import tariffs.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian (c. 1890-1915). Indicator: The use of the 'Hamilton, Canada' mark and the specific font style of the catalog number.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1910. The Meriden Britannia Hamilton plant was highly active during this window before transitioning labels under the International Silver Co. umbrella.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' in the late 19th century, allowing middle-class families to own items that mimicked the solid sterling silver of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) or heavy tarnish on the underside. Scuffing and surface scratches consistent with use. No major dents or broken solder joints visible on the feet. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
Market Value: $25 - $60 USD. Silver-plated hollowware of this type is currently common; value is driven by decorative appeal and the 'Hamilton, Canada' mark for local collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid over-polishing, as the silver layer is thin and can be worn away to the grey base metal ('bleeding').
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor (BP) Canadian silver plate; Middletown Plate Co.; or standard American Meriden Britannia pieces (which lack the 'Hamilton' mark).
Interesting Facts
The Hamilton factory was Meriden's way of circumventing the 'National Policy' tariffs in Canada. Many collectors specifically look for 'Hamilton' marks as a niche of Canadian industrial history.