Reed & Barton / Dole Silver Co. EPNS Silver Plated Tray or Platter, Taunton, Mass.
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, Plate) · Dole Silver Co., located in Taunton, Massachusetts (frequently associated or working alongside Reed & Barton as a subsidiary or collaborative brand during the late 19th and early 20th centuries). Taunton was a major center for American silversmithing.
Pattern: Plain service line, utilitarian/display hollowware without an elaborate named pattern.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, Plate)
Maker
Dole Silver Co., located in Taunton, Massachusetts (frequently associated or working alongside Reed & Barton as a subsidiary or collaborative brand during the late 19th and early 20th centuries). Taunton was a major center for American silversmithing.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electro-Plated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy (nickel silver) coated with a thin layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of approximately 10 to 12 inches (standard small serving plate or underplate size), weight typical of a durable electroplated nickel-silver hollowware piece.
Description
An elegant, classic silver-plated tray or underplate crafted by the Dole Silver Co. of Taunton, Massachusetts. Featuring a smooth, highly reflective surface with a simple raised rim, this piece exemplifies early 20th-century American utilitarian hollowware. The maker's marks are crisp and clearly legible near the rim, indicating Electro-Plated Nickel Silver (EPNS) composition. It serves as a wonderful example of period dining accessories produced in the industrial hub of Taunton.
Key Features
Crisp manufacturer stamping naming 'Dole Silver Co Taunton Mass', clear 'EPNS' designation, and the pattern/item number '1900' stamped directly into the silver-plated rim.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electro-Plated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy (nickel silver) coated with a thin layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish with a clean, unadorned, classic rim and depressed well. Plain style common in traditional dining settings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed stamps reading 'EPNS' on the far left, 'DOLE SILVER CO / TAUNTON, MASS.' in the center, and the pattern or catalog number '1900' on the right.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun from a sheet of base nickel silver alloy, followed by electroplating and hand-buffing to a mirror finish.
Functional Features
Designed for serving small dishes, presentation, or acting as an underplate or small tray for tea sets.
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-handled or plain edge tray without applied handles, featuring a raised border to prevent items from sliding off.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial-era craftsmanship featuring precise machine stamping, clean metal spinning, and professional electroplating typical of early 20th-century New England manufactories.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period American maker's stamp. The typography, layout of the company name and city, and the standard 'EPNS' abbreviation are entirely consistent with early 1900s American plating practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, by the Dole Silver Co., representing the strong New England manufacturing tradition of American silver and silver plate.
Era & Period
Turn of the Century / Edwardian Era (c. 1900), matching the numeric pattern/model code stamped on the surface.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900, supported by the clear style of the stamp and the '1900' catalog number, which may denote either the year of introduction or the specific production style/model number.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the turn-of-the-century rise of accessible plated hollowware in middle- and upper-class American homes, democratizing the aesthetic of fine silver dining.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows surface hairline scratches and normal wear consistent with age and gentle use. Some minor areas of base metal telegraphing or oxidation spots on the plate surface, but the silver plating remains largely intact with good reflective quality.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 to $75 USD depending on overall surface condition and local collector demand for New England regional silver plate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft sponge. Use a quality silver polish specifically formulated for silver plate (such as Wright's Silver Cream) sparingly to avoid wearing through the thin electroplated layer. Store in a dry environment wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated trays and plates produced by Reed & Barton, Gorham, or International Silver during the same era.
Interesting Facts
Taunton, Massachusetts, was famously home to several prominent silver manufacturing giants, most notably Reed & Barton, making smaller regional companies like Dole Silver Co. fascinating subjects of study for American silver historians.