Atkin Brothers Silver Plated Flatware Serving Piece with Rd No 695320
Flatware - Serving Piece / Fork · Atkin Brothers, a prominent Sheffield-based manufacturing silversmith firm known for quality electroplate and sterling items, operating from the late 19th through mid-20th century.
Pattern: Unidentified standard commercial pattern associated with early 20th century British flatware production, registered around the 1920s.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Fork
Maker
Atkin Brothers, a prominent Sheffield-based manufacturing silversmith firm known for quality electroplate and sterling items, operating from the late 19th through mid-20th century.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) over a base metal alloy typically composed of copper, nickel, and zinc.
Dimensions
Standard serving implement size, estimated length approximately 18 to 22 cm, standard weight for silver-plated flatware serving pieces.
Description
An elegant silver-plated flatware serving piece manufactured by the esteemed Sheffield firm Atkin Brothers. The reverse of the stem clearly displays the maker's initials, the EP A1 quality stamp indicating superior electroplating thickness, and a British Registry number 695320 corresponding to the year 1922. The handle exhibits classic early 20th-century proportions with a clean chevron shoulder transition, reflecting the refined manufacturing standards of British silversmiths during the interwar period.
Key Features
Clear Atkin Brothers maker's mark (HF&Co), A1 top-tier plating quality indicator, and British Design Registration number 695320 providing an exact dating anchor.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) over a base metal alloy typically composed of copper, nickel, and zinc.
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished electroplated finish with a distinct geometric or chevron shoulder detail characteristic of the period's transitional design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark 'HF&Co' for Harry Atkin / Atkin Brothers, EP (Electroplate), A1 (denoting the highest quality standard of silver plating), and a British Design Registration number 'Rd No 695320' dating to approximately 1922.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured with hand-finished polishing and stamped maker marks, typical of mass-produced yet high-quality early 20th-century British silverplate.
Functional Features
Designed for table service, featuring a balanced handle and structural reinforcement at the neck juncture to withstand pressure.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integral to the implement stem, featuring a tapered profile and a chevron shoulder terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits crisp, deep stamping of the hallmarks and registry number, precise geometric shoulder shaping, and uniform electroplate distribution characteristic of premier Sheffield manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British electroplate stamping convention, featuring legitimate maker identification, standard quality grades (EP A1), and an official UK patent/registry number matching historical records.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, produced by Atkin Brothers, renowned for the city's rich cutlery and plating heritage.
Era & Period
Art Deco transitional period, specifically the early 1920s based on the British registry number.
Age Estimate
Circa 1922, established by the Rd No 695320 patent/registration mark.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWI era in Britain where quality silver-plated tableware provided middle- and upper-class households with luxurious aesthetics at a more accessible price point than solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface micro-scratches and slight wear consistent with age and light use. The silver plating remains largely intact without significant base metal bleed-through.
Value Estimate
Moderate collector and secondary market value ranging from $15 to $45 USD depending on the specific form of the serving implement and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Use dedicated silver polishing creams sparingly to avoid wearing through the electroplated layer. Store in anti-tarnish cloth bags.
Similar Pieces
Comparable silver-plated flatware and serving pieces from British contemporaries such as Mappin & Webb, Walker & Hall, and Elkington & Co.
Interesting Facts
The 'A1' stamp was widely used across the British silver trade to guarantee that flatware items received a heavy, durable coating of silver designed to withstand decades of daily dining use.