Brazilian Silver D&A Victorian Pattern Flatware Piece
Flatware (Likely a Table Spoon or Fork) · Daniel & Arter (D&A), active in Birmingham and London. Established by Charles Reeves Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in the late 19th century, known for their production of 'Brazilian Silver' and 'Nevada Silver' base metal alloys.
Pattern: Victorian Beaded and Ribbed Pattern with Maltese Cross motif. This was a standard commercial pattern produced in the late 19th century.
Type
Flatware (Likely a Table Spoon or Fork)
Maker
Daniel & Arter (D&A), active in Birmingham and London. Established by Charles Reeves Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in the late 19th century, known for their production of 'Brazilian Silver' and 'Nevada Silver' base metal alloys.
Material
Brazilian Silver (Nickel Silver Alloy). Despite the name, this contains 0% silver. It is a base metal alloy composed of copper, nickel, and zinc, designed to mimic the appearance of silver without the cost of sterling or electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated length 18-21 cm (standard dinner size). Weight approx 45-60g. Nickel silver is slightly less dense than sterling silver.
Description
A classic example of Victorian 'Substitute' silver. This piece by Daniel & Arter utilizes their proprietary 'Brazilian Silver' alloy to provide a durable, shiny, and ornate piece of flatware that required less maintenance than silver plate. The design features a heavy bead-and-rib motif that was popular for its regal aesthetic.
Key Features
The 'BRAZILIAN SILVER' stamp which identifies it as a non-precious alloy; the D&A maker's mark; the embossed Maltese cross decorative medallion.
Material & Composition
Brazilian Silver (Nickel Silver Alloy). Despite the name, this contains 0% silver. It is a base metal alloy composed of copper, nickel, and zinc, designed to mimic the appearance of silver without the cost of sterling or electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck surface with beaded borders, a central ribbed channel, and an embossed quatrefoil/Maltese cross medallion on the stem. The finish is a natural polished nickel silver which has a yellowish-gold undertone compared to the cooler white of sterling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'BRAZILIAN SILVER' and 'D&A' with a registered design number (possibly '7876' or similar). These are manufacturer trade marks rather than official government or assay office hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck from a flat sheet of alloy. The pattern is stamped into the metal under high pressure, allowing for mass production and high detail consistency.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction for durability. Designed for heavy daily use in middle-class Victorian households where actual silver was too expensive.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid handle integrated into the piece, tapering toward the bowl/tines. Features a raised decorative boss for better grip and visual transitions.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-made quality. The detail is crisp, indicating a high-quality steel die was used, but it lacks the soul and refinement of hand-chased sterling silver.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of a lion passant (sterling) or crown (Sheffield) indicates it is not silver. The maker's name 'D&A' is consistently associated with this specific trade-named alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the 'Globe Nevada Silver Works' or similar D&A factory settings which specialized in silver substitutes.
Era & Period
Late Victorian (c. 1880-1900). Stylized with eclectic Neo-Gothic and Classical revival motifs typical of the Birmingham mass-production boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1895 based on the maker's mark style and the specific use of the 'Brazilian Silver' branding term.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining during the Industrial Revolution, where the middle class could afford ornate table settings previously reserved for the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Shows minor surface scratches and a light yellowish patina characteristic of nickel silver. No signs of plating loss because the metal is solid alloy throughout.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. While historically interesting, the lack of precious metal content keeps the market value low, primarily appealing to pattern collectors or historical enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water. A standard metal polish like Brasso can be used to remove oxidation; silver dips are unnecessary as there is no silver content to tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Dixon & Sons 'Nickel Silver' flatware or Elkington & Co. 'Albata' metal. These were all competing silver-substitutes of the same era.
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter used various exotic-sounding names for their alloys, such as 'Nevada Silver', 'Brazilian Silver', and 'Japanese Silver', to appeal to consumers' desires for luxury items at affordable prices.