Poole Silver Co. EPNS Plate or Platter, Pattern 2003
Hollowware (Platter, Tray, or Large Plate) · Poole Silver Company (Poole Silver Co.), Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1892, Poole was a significant American maker of both sterling and plated hollowware, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Towle Silversmiths in 1971.
Pattern: Pattern number '2003'. This is a numerical reference rather than a named pattern, typical for mid-20th century commercial hollowware production.
Type
Hollowware (Platter, Tray, or Large Plate)
Maker
Poole Silver Company (Poole Silver Co.), Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1892, Poole was a significant American maker of both sterling and plated hollowware, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Towle Silversmiths in 1971.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item consists of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver. There is no solid silver content.
Dimensions
Based on the curve, it is likely a 10 to 12-inch diameter platter or plate. As EPNS, the weight will be substantial due to the density of the nickel silver base, but the weight does not contribute to precious metal value.
Description
A classic American silver-plated serving piece by the Poole Silver Company. Featuring a clean, circular design with a high-shine mirror finish, this platter exemplifies the durable and elegant hollowware produced in Taunton's famous silver workshops. The underside clearly displays the manufacturer's mark and the 'EPNS' designation, confirming its status as a high-quality electroplated nickel silver item intended for residential use or hospitality environments.
Key Features
The 'EPNS' stamp is the critical identifier here, distinguishing it from sterling silver (.925). The Taunton, Mass. locale stamp is a hallmark of American industrial silver history.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item consists of a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been electroplated with a thin layer of pure silver. There is no solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. The piece appears to be a plain, undecorated circular form with a simple rolled or molded rim, characteristic of 20th-century functional dining ware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'EPNS' (indicating material), 'POOLE SILVER CO TAUNTON, MASS' (the maker and location), and '2003' (the design or model number). The stamps are block letters, machine-impressed on the underside.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-struck from a flat sheet of nickel silver. The edges are finished with a rolled rim for structural rigidity. This is a mass-produced industrial item rather than a hand-wrought piece.
Functional Features
Designed as a serving platter or decorative plate. Includes a wide rim for easy lifting and a shallow well for food placement.
Handle & Grip Details
None present; this is a rimmed circular form without separate handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry and evenness of the plating indicate a well-regulated electro-chemical process. The stamping is deep and legible, typical of Poole's professional standards.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are consistent with known Poole Silver Co. marks. The 'EPNS' stamp clearly identifies the metal content, preventing it from being mistaken for sterling. The wear pattern is consistent with machine-produced plated ware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Taunton was known as the 'Silver City' due to the high density of silversmithing companies like Poole, Reed & Barton, and F.B. Rogers located there.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / 20th Century (circa 1940-1970). The clean lines and sans-serif stamping are typical of post-WWII American silver plate production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. The style of the 'POOLE SILVER CO' stamp and the use of the model number 2003 align with mid-to-late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American trend of 'formal everyday' dining, where silver-plated items provided the aesthetic of wealth and luxury to the middle class at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The surface displays minor 'cleaning swirls' or micro-scratches consistent with gentle use. There is no visible 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver plate), suggesting the plating remains intact. Tarnish is minimal.
Value Estimate
$15 - $40 USD. Silver-plated hollowware currently has low market value compared to sterling, as it is valued as a functional decorative object rather than for its metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin electroplated layer over time. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar EPNS platters by Reed & Barton or Gorham. The primary difference is the pattern number and the specific manufacturer's stamp. Note that sterling versions of similar sizes would be marked 'Sterling' and be significantly more valuable.
Interesting Facts
Poole Silver Co. was one of the many firms that made Taunton, MA, the silver manufacturing capital of the world for nearly a century. Their products were often used in hotels and on steamships due to the durability of their heavy electroplating.