E.G. Webster & Son Silver-on-Copper Footed Hollowware
Hollowware (possibly a bowl or dish) · E.G. Webster & Son (E.G.W. & S.), Brooklyn, New York. Founded by Elias G. Webster in 1860, the company was a prolific American manufacturer of silver-plated ware before being acquired by International Silver Co. in 1928.
Pattern: Undetermined; typical Victorian/Early 20th Century neo-classical or floral aesthetic common to the brand's plated production.
Type
Hollowware (possibly a bowl or dish)
Maker
E.G. Webster & Son (E.G.W. & S.), Brooklyn, New York. Founded by Elias G. Webster in 1860, the company was a prolific American manufacturer of silver-plated ware before being acquired by International Silver Co. in 1928.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated on Copper). The base metal is copper, coated in a layer of silver. The marks 'E.P. Copper' and 'B.M. Mounts' indicate Britannia Metal (an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper) was used for the decorative borders/feet before plating.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base 4-6 inches. Full weight is primarily copper and lead/tin alloy (B.M.), not precious metal weight.
Description
This is the underside of an American silver-plated vessel. It demonstrates the industrial shift in the early 20th century toward plated copper as a more durable and economical alternative to sterling silver. The presence of the Webster lion mark connects it to the historic Brooklyn workshop.
Key Features
The 'B.M. Mounts' stamp is a diagnostic feature used by appraisers to identify pieces with cast alloy rims or feet, which often wear differently than the copper body.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated on Copper). The base metal is copper, coated in a layer of silver. The marks 'E.P. Copper' and 'B.M. Mounts' indicate Britannia Metal (an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper) was used for the decorative borders/feet before plating.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and heavily tarnished surface with significant patina. Decorative elements likely include cast Britannia metal mounts (borders or handles) which were typical for Webster's mid-market production.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A hallmarks cluster featuring a stylized lion rampant atop a shield (traditional E.G. Webster mark). Text stamps below include: 'E.P. COPPER' (Electroplated Copper) and 'B.M. MOUNTS' (Britannia Metal Mounts).
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper body. Decorative 'mounts' (edges/feet) are cast Britannia metal and soldered to the copper body before the entire piece was electroplated.
Functional Features
Hollowware vessel designed for serving or display, featuring a raised foot for stability and heat insulation from table surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in this view, though 'B.M. Mounts' suggests any handles present are cast Britannia metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality production. The seams are well-hidden, but the marks indicate a machine-assisted manufacturing process rather than a hand-wrought one.
Authentication Indicators
The E.G. Webster & Son lion logo is authentic and correctly formatted. The stamping pressure and placement are consistent with early 20th-century factory production.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA (Brooklyn, New York). Specifically the Webster factory, known for durable, commercial-grade plated hollowware.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early 20th Century (approx. 1890-1925). The combination of material markers is typical of the pre-Depression American plate industry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920, based on the specific typography of the 'E.P. Copper' and 'B.M. Mounts' stamps used during the later years of use for this mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the American household, where silver-plated copper allowed middle-class families to follow formal dining etiquette previously reserved for the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant tarnish and 'silver loss' (plating wear) where the copper is beginning to show through (bleeding). Surface shows pitting and heavy oxidation indicative of damp storage.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD. Silver-plated hollowware with significant wear and 'copper bleeding' generally holds decorative value rather than investment value.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid aggressive silver dips which can eat through the thin remaining silver layer. Clean with a mild non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream and a soft cotton cloth to preserve remaining plating.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Sheffield Plate (which is silver fused to copper by heat rather than electricity). Competitors included Gorham\'s 'Silver Soldered' line or Reed & Barton's plated hollowware.
Interesting Facts
E.G. Webster's son, Fredrick Webster, was largely responsible for expanding the business into the massive entity that eventually caught the eye of the International Silver conglomerate.