Old English Reproduction Silver Plate on Copper Pierced Wine Coaster
Hollowware (Wine Coaster / Small Tray) · Likely manufactured by Poole Silver Co. or a similar mid-20th century American manufacturer specializing in 'Old English' reproductions. These companies were known for mass-producing accessible Georgian-style tableware for the middle market.
Pattern: Old English Reproduction; a generic trade name used by multiple manufacturers to evoke 18th-century British silver designs, specifically focusing on gadrooning and pierced work.
Type
Hollowware (Wine Coaster / Small Tray)
Maker
Likely manufactured by Poole Silver Co. or a similar mid-20th century American manufacturer specializing in 'Old English' reproductions. These companies were known for mass-producing accessible Georgian-style tableware for the middle market.
Material
Silver Plate on Copper. This is electroplated silver (EP) over a base of solid copper. The copper base is visible in areas of heavy wear (known as 'bleeding'), which is a common characteristic of this manufacturing style.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 6 to 7 inches. This appears to be a large wine coaster or a small 'bread and butter' style serving plate. Weight estimated at 200-300 grams given the copper core.
Description
This silver-plated wine coaster or small platter is a classic example of mid-century revivalism. It utilizes a copper base to provide a weight and warmth similar to historical Sheffield Plate, though it is created via modern electroplating. The pierced gallery adds an airy, elegant touch, and the scalloped rim provides a rhythmic visual appeal typical of formal dinnerware of the era.
Key Features
Pierced vertical slats; 'E.P. on Copper' stamp; scalloped edges; radial fluted interior; copper 'bleeding' visible through worn silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on Copper. This is electroplated silver (EP) over a base of solid copper. The copper base is visible in areas of heavy wear (known as 'bleeding'), which is a common characteristic of this manufacturing style.
Finish & Decoration
The piece features a scalloped edge, pierced vertical slats (openwork) on the gallery, and inner radial fluting. The finish is polished silver, currently exhibiting heavy tarnish and oxidation in the center.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'OLD ENGLISH / REPRODUCTION / E.P. ON COPPER / LEAD MOUNTS'. The 'E.P.' stands for Electroplated. 'Lead Mounts' indicates that the decorative borders or edges were cast in lead or a lead alloy before being soldered and plated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and stamped construction. The piercing is die-cut rather than hand-sawn. The base and gallery are likely struck from a single sheet or joined with lead solder at the mounts.
Functional Features
Designed with a raised gallery (rim) to contain a wine bottle or decanter, preventing condensation or drips from reaching a mahogany table surface. The fluted center provides some air circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a flat, shallow dish designed for tabletop placement.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The piece exhibits good symmetry but lacks the fine hand-finishing or deep chasing found in premium silver. The stamps are clear but utilitarian, indicating a factory setting.
Authentication Indicators
The 'E.P. ON COPPER' stamp is a definitive indicator of silver plate rather than sterling. The weight and the reddish-orange hue appearing in the center confirm the copper base composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA or Canada. Most 'E.P. on Copper' reproductions with English-language stamps using this specific font were produced in North American factories like those in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Modern Era). While the design is a 'Reproduction' of the Georgian/Regency period (1714-1830), the manufacture date is likely between 1940 and 1970.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The stamping style and the use of the 'Lead Mounts' descriptor are highly characteristic of post-WWII American silver plate production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 20th-century trend of the 'democratization of luxury,' where middle-class households sought the aesthetic of traditional British aristocracy through affordable, mass-produced plated versions of historical silver.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. There is significant 'bleeding' (copper showing through) and heavy dark oxidation/pitting in the center. The silver layer is very thin or entirely worn away in high-use areas.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00. Value is primarily decorative or functional. As a common plated item with significant wear through the plating ('bleeding'), it holds little value for collectors but serves as a charming vintage utility piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a very gentle silver cream (like Wright's) only on the silvered areas. Avoid heavy polishing, as the silver plating is already failing and further polishing will expose more copper.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield Plate Coaster (genuine 18th-century, much higher value); Sterling Silver Pierced Coaster (marked 925/Sterling); Chrome-plated steel coasters (no copper base, lighter weight).
Interesting Facts
The use of lead mounts allowed manufacturers to create intricate, heavy borders cheaply, but it makes the items softer; if dropped, the lead-filled edges tend to dent or deform rather than spring back.