King's Plate Electroplated Brass Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely Tray or Platter) · King's Plate, a 20th-century label often associated with high-quality electroplated goods produced for retail distributors or larger manufacturing conglomerates.
Pattern: Standard Hospitality or Commercial Pattern
Type
Hollowware (likely Tray or Platter)
Maker
King's Plate, a 20th-century label often associated with high-quality electroplated goods produced for retail distributors or larger manufacturing conglomerates.
Material
Electroplated Brass (E.P. Brass). The item is a brass base metal coated with a thin layer of silver through electrolysis.
Dimensions
Standard commercial hollowware dimensions; weight is characteristic of brass (heavier/denser than aluminum, but lacking the 'ring' of solid silver).
Description
This is a durable example of mid-century commercial-grade silver plate. Unlike EPNS which uses nickel silver, this piece utilizes a brass base (EP Brass), which was a common choice for weight and durability in serving items.
Key Features
The 'E.P. BRASS' stamp is the primary identifier, distinguishing it from solid silver or EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver).
Material & Composition
Electroplated Brass (E.P. Brass). The item is a brass base metal coated with a thin layer of silver through electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish on a smooth surface; style is typically utilitarian with Minimalist or Late Deco influences.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'KING'S PLATE', 'E.P. BRASS', and the numerical designator '640'.
Construction Details
Machine-made; typically die-struck or spun brass that has been subsequently electroplated.
Functional Features
Durable plating suitable for frequent polishing and food service applications.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Based on markings, likely a flat or low-rimmed serving piece with integrated grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; uniform machine-stamped lettering and consistent plating thickness characteristic of 20th-century factory production.
Authentication Indicators
The explicit 'E.P. BRASS' mark confirms this is not sterling silver. The stamp is crisp, indicating a mid-century industrial manufacture.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North American (USA or Canada) or British commercial production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1970).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960 based on the sans-serif block-style font of the stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mass-market accessibility of 'silver' aesthetics for the middle-class home and hospitality industry in the post-WWII era.
Condition Notes
Surface appears moderately tarnished with possible 'bleeding' where the silver plate may have worn thin, revealing the yellow brass underneath (characteristic of aged silver plate).
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00 USD depending on the specific form (tray, bowl, etc.) and condition of the plating.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gently with non-abrasive silver cream; avoid hard scrubbing as the silver layer on brass is thin and can be easily removed.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Sheffield Plate (which is silver fused to copper) or EPNS (silver on nickel).
Interesting Facts
Brass-based silver plate is favored for its heft and warm tone when the plating wears thin, often referred to as 'bleeding silver.'