Kent Silversmiths Silver-Plated Tableware Piece
Hollowware (likely Tray, Bowl, or Platter) · Kent Silversmiths of Taunton, Massachusetts. This brand was a subsidiary or trade name related to the Leonard Silver Manufacturing Company, known for affordable hollowware.
Pattern: Unspecified pattern; Kent Silversmiths typically produced mass-market silver-plated giftware and liturgical items.
Type
Hollowware (likely Tray, Bowl, or Platter)
Maker
Kent Silversmiths of Taunton, Massachusetts. This brand was a subsidiary or trade name related to the Leonard Silver Manufacturing Company, known for affordable hollowware.
Material
Silver Plate over base metal (likely brass or copper), possibly Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). It contains no solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Unknown based on photo, but standard for American mid-century hollowware; weight is determined by base metal rather than precious metal content.
Description
An American silver-plated hollowware item produced by Kent Silversmiths. These pieces were designed for the middle-market consumer, offering the look of luxury silver at an accessible price point.
Key Features
Distinctive 'Kent' block-letter logo and the 'Taunton, Mass' geographic identifier, which is a hallmark of the Massachusetts silver industry.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over base metal (likely brass or copper), possibly Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). It contains no solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish visible in the image, likely originally featuring a bright polish that has worn or oxidized over time.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'Kent Silversmiths, Taunton, Mass, USA' inside a rectangular border. The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' mark confirms it is silver-plated.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-stamping or spinning; mass-produced industrial process rather than hand-wrought.
Functional Features
General serving or decorative surface; likely features a flat base for tabletop stability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A based on the close-up of the hallmark, though similar pieces often feature applied cast-zinc handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade; edges are likely rolled and the stamp is applied via a mechanical press.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is a factory-applied manufacturer's mark. It is not a precious metal hallmark but a brand identifier for silver-plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Taunton was once known as the 'Silver City' due to its high concentration of silver manufacturers.
Era & Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (approximately 1950s–1980s). This was the peak era for Taunton-based silver companies like Leonard and Reed & Barton.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1980. The typography of the 'Kent' logo is consistent with mid-century modern branding.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in post-war America, where plated silver became a standard wedding gift for middle-class households.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches and potential 'plate loss' (wear-through to the base metal) are evident in the grain of the image.
Value Estimate
$5.00 – $25.00 USD. Value is primarily decorative/functional rather than based on metal weight or rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as it will remove the thin layer of silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Leonard Silver, Sheridan Silver, and F.B. Rogers pieces; these are often confused but identified by their specific manufacturer stamps.
Interesting Facts
Kent Silversmiths was part of the Leonard Silver Co. family, which was eventually absorbed by Towle Silversmiths in the late 1970s.