Edward Viner Sterling Silver Hollowware (likely Plate or Tray) - London 1964
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Dish, or Bowl based on surface area and mark placement) · Viner's Ltd (Edward Viner). Founded in Sheffield in 1900, the firm became one of the largest silver and cutlery manufacturers in the UK, eventually holding a Royal Warrant to King George V and the Prince of Wales.
Pattern: Traditional British Plain - likely a minimalist Mid-Century presentation piece or flat-rimmed tray.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Dish, or Bowl based on surface area and mark placement)
Maker
Viner's Ltd (Edward Viner). Founded in Sheffield in 1900, the firm became one of the largest silver and cutlery manufacturers in the UK, eventually holding a Royal Warrant to King George V and the Prince of Wales.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion passant mark confirms it is solid sterling silver, not plated.
Dimensions
Standard hallmarks of this size typically indicate a medium-to-large hollowware piece. Without a scale reference, weights for 1960s London trays typically range from 300g to 1500g depending on diameter.
Description
A refined example of Mid-Century British sterling silver by the renowned firm of Edward Viner. This piece showcases the 'plain style' popular in the 1960s, relying on the quality of the silver and the prestige of the London hallmarks for its aesthetic appeal. Viner's work from this period is known for its durability and classic proportions.
Key Features
The most diagnostic feature is the specific grouping of the E.V maker's mark with the 1964 London date letter. The depth and crispness of the punches indicate quality control standards of a high-end 20th-century manufacturer.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion passant mark confirms it is solid sterling silver, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. This specific piece appears to have moderate surface scratching and remains undecorated in the immediate vicinity of the hallmarks, suggesting an elegant, plain aesthetic characteristic of 1960s British silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks consist of: 1. Maker's mark 'E.V' (Edward Viner); 2. Lowercase 'i' in a shield (London date letter for 1964); 3. Lion Passant (British Sterling standard); 4. Leopard's Head (Assay Office of London mark).
Construction Details
Likely press-formed or spun with a hand-finished rim. The clarity of the hallmarks suggests a solid, non-weighted construction.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly concave surface designed for service or display. The lack of engine turning suggests a piece intended for engraving or simple utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in frame, but hallmarks on the flat surface usually indicate a tray, salver, or the side of a large bowl/pitcher.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-facilitated but hand-finished. The hallmarks are struck with high precision, typical of Viner's industrial-era silver production quality.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are perfectly consistent with the 1964 London cycle. The spacing and punch-shape are correct for the period. The wear on the piece is consistent with 60 years of use.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. While Viners was based in Sheffield, this specific item was assayed in London as indicated by the Leopard's Head mark.
Era & Period
Modern/Mid-Century British (Post-War 1960s). This period saw a return to cleaner lines compared to the exuberant decorations of the Victorian or Georgian eras.
Age Estimate
Precisely 1964. The date letter 'i' in the specific shield shape for the London cycle is definitive.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in British silver production where middle-class families began acquiring sterling silver as lifestyle tokens and gifts for weddings or retirements.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are heavy 'spider' scratches and significant surface abrasions visible in the image, likely from improper cleaning or heavy use. No evidence of 'firescale' or base metal bleed through, confirming solid silver.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $200 and $800 USD, heavily dependent on the total weight of the item and its overall form (tray vs bowl). Scrapping value is the floor price, while collector value adds a 20-40% premium.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cloths. Professional machine buffing would remove the surface scratches seen in the photo. Use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream and store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Similar work by Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall from the same era. Viner's pieces are often slightly heavier in gauge than Mappin & Webb pieces from the 1960s.
Interesting Facts
Viner's was one of the few silver manufacturers to survive the transition into the modern era by diversifying into stainless steel, but their sterling silver hollowware remained the pinnacle of their production line.