London Badge & Button Company EPNS Silver Plate Salver / Tray
Hollowware - Tray / Salver · London Badge & Button Company (LB&B Co). Established in 1974, they are renowned for high-quality metalwork including buttons, badges, and commemorative hollowware, often serving prestigious corporate and governmental clients.
Pattern: Classical Plain Border. This is an undecorated, minimalist pattern designed for formal service or commemorative engraving.
Type
Hollowware - Tray / Salver
Maker
London Badge & Button Company (LB&B Co). Established in 1974, they are renowned for high-quality metalwork including buttons, badges, and commemorative hollowware, often serving prestigious corporate and governmental clients.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This consists of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been thin-coated with pure silver via electrolysis.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter between 8 and 12 inches based on scale. Medium weight characteristic of nickel silver base metal.
Description
A clean, modern example of British silver-plated hollowware. This salver features a deep mirror polish and a classic circular form. Produced by the LB&B Co, it represents the continuation of English silver-plating traditions into the modern corporate gift and housewares market. Its simplicity makes it an ideal canvas for commemorative engraving.
Key Features
Explicit 'EPNS' and 'SUPERFINE' stamps; distinctive LB&B Co makers mark; presence of pseudo-hallmarks (crown and shield) designed to mimic antique sterling marks.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This consists of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been thin-coated with pure silver via electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Polished Mirror Finish. The surface is highly reflective with no chasing or engraving. The style is 20th-century functionalism with a Neoclassical rounded rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with '2454' (model/design number), 'EPNS' (standard for silver plate), and the maker's mark 'LB·S·CO' (London Badge & Button Company). It also features pseudo-hallmarks: a Maltese cross, a crown, and a shield, along with 'SUPERFINE' indicating the quality of the plating.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-stamped from a flat sheet of nickel silver. The rim is likely rolled or applied with machine precision rather than hand-raised.
Functional Features
Raised rim for containment; flat central well designed for serving drinks or holding small objects.
Handle & Grip Details
None. This is a handleless waiter-style tray designed to be carried from the base or held by the rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Consistent industrial quality. The stamping is deep and aligned; the plating appears thick ('Superfine' grade), and the mirror finish is well-executed without ripples.
Authentication Indicators
The 'EPNS' stamp clearly identifies this as plated rather than sterling. The crispness of the '2454' and 'LB·S·CO' stamps indicates industrial production. No lion passant (the British sterling mark) is present.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom. Manufactured by the London Badge & Button Co. Ltd, typically in Birmingham or London workshops.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Post-1970). While the styling is traditional, the manufacturer and stamping techniques are modern industrial.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1995. Based on the manufacturer's operational dates and the font style of the 'SUPERFINE' stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the late 20th-century British tradition of high-quality silver-plated giftware used for retirement presentations, sporting trophies, or formal dining.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant water spotting and fingerprint oils are visible on the surface, which can lead to permanent tarnish if not cleaned. No major deep scratches or 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) are evident in the image.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Market value for silver-plated items is generally low unless they have specific historical provenance or are by a premier maker like Tiffany or Christofle.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, soapy water to remove oils, followed by a gentle silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will strip the thin silver layer to reveal the yellowish nickel-silver base.
Similar Pieces
Gorham silver-plated trays (USA) or Viners of Sheffield (UK). Differences include different maker marks and base metal thicknesses.
Interesting Facts
The London Badge & Button Company is better known for its association with Savile Row tailors and royal commemoratives than for general table service.