Viking Plate E.P. Copper Silver-Plated Small Dish or Coaster
Hollowware (Small Dish, Wine Coaster, or Trinket Bowl) · Lipman-Levinter Industries under the brand name Viking Plate. Founded in Toronto, Canada, they were a significant mid-20th century manufacturer of silver-plated copper goods for the North American market.
Pattern: Viking Plate Standard Collection; characterized by stylized foliate or laurel leaf machine-engraved borders. Established mid-century, now discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (Small Dish, Wine Coaster, or Trinket Bowl)
Maker
Lipman-Levinter Industries under the brand name Viking Plate. Founded in Toronto, Canada, they were a significant mid-20th century manufacturer of silver-plated copper goods for the North American market.
Material
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of silver. Contains no solid sterling silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm). Lightweight construction typical of silver-plated copper hollowware, likely weighing between 100-200 grams.
Description
A classic example of mid-century Canadian silver-plated tableware. This small Viking Plate dish features a simple, functional circular form with a decorative laurel-leaf border encircling the flat interior base. While the silver plating has oxidized to a dull grey/yellow patina, the underlying copper base provides a sturdy weight. It represents the everyday silver used in middle-class North American homes during the mid-1900s.
Key Features
Distinguished by the specific 'VIKING PLATE' and 'E.P. COPPER' stamps. The leaf-patterned inner border and rolled rim are diagnostic traits of this brand.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of silver. Contains no solid sterling silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with a machine-stamped or engraved foliate rim border inside the bowl. Features a rolled rim design. Shows significant oxidation/heavy tarnish and surface scratching.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'VIKING PLATE', 'MADE IN CANADA', and 'E.P. COPPER' in a circular arrangement on the base. No purity hallmarks (like a lion passant or 925) are present, confirming it is silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-made; likely die-struck or spun from a copper sheet and then electroplated. The rolled rim is a standard industrial technique for finishing edges on plated hollowware.
Functional Features
Flat-bottomed interior for stability; raised curved sides to contain small items or liquids. Could function as a wine coaster, nut dish, or vanity tray.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles or grips present; simple circular form designed for lifting by the exterior rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The piece exhibits clean lines and a clear stamp, but lacks the hand-finishing or depth of chasing found in high-end sterling pieces. The engraving is shallow and machine-impressed.
Authentication Indicators
The 'E.P. Copper' marking is the primary indicator of authenticity as a silver-plated item rather than solid silver. The stamp depth and font are consistent with known Lipman-Levinter production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Canada, likely Toronto. Manufactured by Lipman-Levinter Industries, a firm known for durable industrial-grade silver plating on copper bases.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). Reflects the mass-market demand for affordable 'silver look' household items in post-war Canada and the US.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The typography of the 'Viking Plate' stamp and the use of 'Made in Canada' on E.P. Copper was most prevalent during this decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-century era, allowing families to own silver-appearing serving pieces for formal dinners and social gatherings at a fraction of the cost of sterling.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant surface tarnish (oxidation) and heavy scratching consistent with frequent use or improper cleaning. No visible deep dents, but the silver plating appears thin in high-wear areas.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is decorative/functional only; as a plated item, it has no 'melt value' and is common in the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that will strip the silver plating to reveal the red copper underneath. Store in a dry place to slow tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate (often higher quality), Primrose Plate, or Benedict Proctor. Difference lies in the specific maker's mark and the use of copper vs. nickel silver as a base.
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate was one of Canada's most prolific silver plate brands in the mid-20th century. Because they used copper as a base (which is more expensive than nickel but easier to plate), these items often develop a warm tone when the silver wears thin, a look sometimes called 'bleeding copper'.