Mappin & Webb Silver-Plated Dish with Georgian-Style Beading
Hollowware (Small Dish, Plate, or Card Tray) · Mappin & Webb. Established in Sheffield in 1775, they are one of the most prestigious British silversmiths, historically holding Royal Warrants and renowned for high-quality silver plate (Prince's Plate).
Pattern: Unidentified specific pattern, likely a classic Georgian revival design featuring perimeter beading; standard production line for domestic hospitality or dining.
Type
Hollowware (Small Dish, Plate, or Card Tray)
Maker
Mappin & Webb. Established in Sheffield in 1775, they are one of the most prestigious British silversmiths, historically holding Royal Warrants and renowned for high-quality silver plate (Prince's Plate).
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated in a layer of silver via electrolysis. There is no solid silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15-20 cm based on hand proportion. Weight likely ranges between 200-350 grams depending on the thickness of the nickel-silver base.
Description
A refined English silver-plated circular dish produced by the renowned firm Mappin & Webb. This piece exemplifies the 'Prince's Plate' quality for which the company was famous—a high-durability electroplate designed to mimic the weight and luster of sterling. The clean, unmonogrammed center is framed by a delicate beaded rim, making it a versatile accessory for a formal table or a sophisticated vanity tray.
Key Features
Distinctive Mappin & Webb 'pseudo-hallmarks' (shields) designed to look prestigious; the model number 2886; the lack of a 'Lion Passant' which confirms it is not sterling silver.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated in a layer of silver via electrolysis. There is no solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the interior; the edge features a classic 'beaded' border decoration. Stylistically Neoclassical/Georgian revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'M H & Co' in a shield represents 'Mappin, Webb & Co'. Usually accompanied by symbols like an 'S' inside a shield (Sheffield), and 'EP' for electroplate. Includes a numerical production or design code '2886'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun from a sheet of nickel silver, followed by electroplating. The beaded edge is likely an applied or die-rolled decorative border.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly concave surface intended for serving small items, holding calling cards, or acting as a table coaster/stand for a wine bottle or decanter.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present on this specific form (Tray/Dish).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The symmetry of the beading and the clarity of the stamps indicate a top-tier manufacturer despite the item being plated rather than solid silver.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the 'M H & Co' stamp; depth of the serial number '2886'; lack of official government assay marks (no crown, lion, or date letter) confirms silver plate status.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Manufactured in the Queen's Plate Works, which was Mappin & Webb's primary production facility for plated goods.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Early 20th Century (1890-1930). While it uses Georgian motifs (beading), the 'MH & Co' mark and production methods are industrial era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920. The specific arrangement of the Mappin & Webb 'M H & Co' shield marks was most common during this period before shifting to full-name stamps.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the aspirations of the rising middle class in the late 19th/early 20th century who desired the luxury look of silver service at a more accessible silver-plate price point.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall. Visible circular cleaning scratches (swirls) indicate frequent polishing with abrasive cloths. Some heavy tarnish/oxidization on the extreme edges. No signs of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver).
Value Estimate
$20 - $55 USD. Silver-plated items from this era have high decorative value but low intrinsic metal value compared to sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and mild liquid silver polish (like Wright's). Avoid 'silver dips' as they can strip the thin silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Elkington & Co. EPNS dishes; Walker & Hall beaded trays. Elkington pieces often carry an 'E&Co' mark and date letters specific to their plating process.
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb has supplied silver to the British Monarchy since the time of Queen Victoria. They even produced the original trophies for the Ryder Cup and the Monaco Grand Prix.