Cooper Brothers & Sons EPNS Silver Plated Dessert Knife with Faux Ivory Handle
Flatware (Dessert/Tea Knife) · Cooper Brothers & Sons of Sheffield, England. Founded in 1866, the firm was a highly respected manufacturer of silver and silver plate, known for high-quality domestic flatware.
Pattern: Plain blade with a Classical beaded bolster. The pattern is a standard utilitarian design typical of early-to-mid 20th-century British domestic sets.
Type
Flatware (Dessert/Tea Knife)
Maker
Cooper Brothers & Sons of Sheffield, England. Founded in 1866, the firm was a highly respected manufacturer of silver and silver plate, known for high-quality domestic flatware.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The blade is made of a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. The handle is celluloid (faux ivory).
Dimensions
Estimated length of 7 to 8 inches (18-20 cm). Lightweight due to the celluloid handle and nickel-silver base metal, likely weighing approximately 40-50 grams.
Description
A classic example of British export cutlery, this dessert knife by Cooper Brothers & Sons showcases the durability of Sheffield plate. Featuring a clean, functional blade design and a charming faux-ivory handle, it represents the approachable luxury found in early 20th-century middle-class dining rooms.
Key Features
The 'C B & S' maker's mark and the 'E' for EPNS are diagnostic. The celluloid handle's slight yellow patina is a key indicator of age versus modern plastics.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The blade is made of a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. The handle is celluloid (faux ivory).
Finish & Decoration
Satin-polished blade finish with a plain surface. The bolster (the joint between blade and handle) features a double-beaded aesthetic consistent with Neoclassical or Edwardian revival styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps 'C B & S' identify the maker, Cooper Brothers & Sons. The letter 'E' in a gothic shield stands for EPNS. The 'A' signifies a high grade of silver plating (A1 quality). The 'S' stands for Sheffield, the city of manufacture.
Construction Details
Machine-struck blade with a tang inserted into a hollow or solid-cast celluloid handle. The joint is secured with a metal collar (bolster) and likely resin or cement adhesive inside.
Functional Features
Rounded tip (typical for dessert or tea knives rather than steak knives) and a non-serrated edge designed for soft foods, cakes, or spreading butter/conserve.
Handle & Grip Details
Cream-colored celluloid (a mid-20th century ivory substitute). It is a smooth, rounded grip attached via a traditional pinned or cemented tang into the bolster.
Craftsmanship Details
Quality industrial manufacture. The transition between the blade and bolster is well-turned, and the stamping is crisp, indicating the use of high-quality steel dies.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are consistent with known Cooper Brothers stamps. The wear at the high points of the bolster confirms it is plated (EPNS) rather than solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global center for silver plating and cutlery production, utilizing standardized industrial electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Late Edwardian to Mid-Century (c. 1920-1950). While the style is traditional, the marks and materials suggest the height of Sheffield's export of EPNS flatware sets.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1945. The specific gothic-style lettering of the 'C B & S' mark and the use of 'A' for plating grade were most prevalent during the interwar period.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'democratization of luxury' in Britain, where mass-produced electroplated sets allowed households to emulate the silver services of the aristocracy at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating shows minor 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) near the bolster. The handle appears intact without the common cracks or 'crazing' seen in old celluloid.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD for a single replacement piece; $60 - $120 USD for a complete boxed set of six or twelve.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and dry immediately. Avoid soaking, as water can loosen the cement holding the handle to the blade. Use a mild silver cream sparingly to maintain the plate layer.
Similar Pieces
Similar sets by Walker & Hall or Mappin & Webb. Differences usually lie in the shape of the bolster and the specific alloy grade (e.g., A vs B quality).
Interesting Facts
Cooper Brothers was one of the few Sheffield firms to stay in family hands for over a century, which helped maintain consistent quality and marking standards across generations.