Viking Plate E.P. Copper Silver-Plated Hollowware Base
Hollowware (likely a base for a bowl, compote, or specialized serving dish) · Viking Plate, a Canadian brand associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto. Known for producing mass-market silver-plated goods for middle-class Canadian homes.
Pattern: Standard Georgian-influenced plain concentric rim design; specific pattern names were rarely marketed for this utility line.
Type
Hollowware (likely a base for a bowl, compote, or specialized serving dish)
Maker
Viking Plate, a Canadian brand associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto. Known for producing mass-market silver-plated goods for middle-class Canadian homes.
Material
Silver plate over copper (E.P. Copper). This indicates electroplated silver. The base metal is solid copper. Includes 'Lead Mounts' which refers to a lead-based alloy used for decorative rims or handles for ease of casting.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 4-6 inches based on typical foot sizes for sugar bowls or small compotes. Weight is higher than sterling due to the copper core and lead mounts.
Description
A utilitarian yet elegant silver-plated base from the Canadian brand Viking Plate. The piece features a high-shine silver surface covering a copper substrate, a hallmark of mid-century Canadian hollowware. The design is simple, featuring a stepped circular foot intended to provide stability and a modest aesthetic lift to a table setting.
Key Features
Visible 'E.P. Copper' stamp; 'Lead Mounts' designation; circular concentric construction; distinctive Viking Plate branding.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over copper (E.P. Copper). This indicates electroplated silver. The base metal is solid copper. Includes 'Lead Mounts' which refers to a lead-based alloy used for decorative rims or handles for ease of casting.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with concentric circular ribs on the base. Decoration is minimal, focusing on the stepped profile of the foot. Style is a mid-century adaptation of traditional functionalism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with: VIKING PLATE / MADE IN CANADA / E.P. COPPER / LEAD MOUNTS. This is a commercial quality mark, not a legal hallmark. 'E.P. Copper' confirms it is electroplated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper body. Decorative lead mounts are typically cast and then soldered to the copper body before the entire piece is electroplated with silver.
Functional Features
Concentric rings provide structural rigidity and a stable base. Designed as a support foot for a larger vessel.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This appears to be the bottom view of a pedestal foot or base.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the stamps are cleanly struck. The soldering of the lead mounts to the copper base is seamless, showing proficient industrial assembly techniques.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, authentic factory stamps. Surface wear patterns consistent with soft silver plating over a harder copper base. Patina is typical for mid-century electroplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Canada, likely in Toronto. Produced using industrial electroplating processes pioneered for the mass market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). Indicators include the typography of the stamp and the popularity of E.P. Copper in Canadian manufacturing during this time.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The 'Made in Canada' trade mark and the 'Viking Plate' brand were most prolific during the post-war era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in post-WWII Canada, where families could afford the look of formal silver service without the cost of solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minimal 'bleeding' (copper showing through the silver). Some surface micro-scratching consistent with polishing. No significant dents visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. These pieces are common and do not have high scrap value due to the copper core, but remain popular for affordable vintage decor.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid excessive polishing, as the silver layer is thin and the copper will eventually 'bleed' through.
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor (Canada) E.P. Copper pieces; Birks Regency Plate; Marlboro Plate. The primary difference is the specific brand stamp and slightly different lead-mount ratios.
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate was one of the most common wedding gift brands in Canada during the 1950s. The 'Lead Mounts' were actually a selling point because they allowed for more intricate, heavy borders than thin copper could provide.