Victorian Plate E.P.B.M. Hollowware by E.G. Webster & Son
Hollowware (likely a Teapot, Coffee Pot, or Serving Vessel) · E.G. Webster & Son (Brooklyn, NY), later acquired by International Silver Co. The 'Victorian Plate' brand was a specific line produced to mimic English aesthetic styles.
Pattern: Victorian Plate Line, Model Number 366. This was a popular commercial silver-plate line in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Teapot, Coffee Pot, or Serving Vessel)
Maker
E.G. Webster & Son (Brooklyn, NY), later acquired by International Silver Co. The 'Victorian Plate' brand was a specific line produced to mimic English aesthetic styles.
Material
E.P.B.M. (Electroplated Britannia Metal). A base metal alloy of tin, antimony, and copper that was electroplated with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Standard hollowware dimensions vary by form, but E.P.B.M. is significantly lighter than sterling silver and lacks the deep resonance of solid metal when tapped.
Description
This mark identifies a piece of late 19th-century American silver-plate from the Victorian Plate line. Designed to offer the opulent look of English sterling silver at a fraction of the cost, these pieces featured grand proportions and elaborate Victorian motifs.
Key Features
The E.P.B.M. stamp is the primary diagnostic feature, identifying the item as silver-plated Britannia metal rather than sterling or nickel silver.
Material & Composition
E.P.B.M. (Electroplated Britannia Metal). A base metal alloy of tin, antimony, and copper that was electroplated with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Inferred from the stamp: typically features a bright-cut or mirror-polish silver surface. Britannia metal allows for sharp, cast decorative details like gadrooning or floral scrolling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'VICTORIAN PLATE' arched over 'E.P.B.M.' with the design number '366'. These are trade stamps, not official government hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-made and factory-produced. The body was likely spun or stamped into shape, with cast decorative elements (feet, handles) soldered on before electroplating.
Functional Features
Functional domestic serveware. The number 366 refers to the specific mold or design set within the manufacturer's catalog.
Handle & Grip Details
Commonly features hollow-cast Britannia metal handles, occasionally with bone or ivory heat insulators if the piece is a teapot.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade factory craftsmanship. Joints are visible upon close inspection, and the stamping of the logo is slightly uneven, typical of mass production.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are clearly stamped but lack a Lion Passant or '925' mark, confirming it is not solid silver. The '366' is a standard factory production number.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; Brooklyn, New York. E.G. Webster & Son was a prominent American silver-plating firm operating during the peak of the Industrial Revolution.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian era (approx. 1890-1915). Characterized by the mass-market desire for silver-toned luxury items in middle-class households.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895–1910. The typeface of the 'Victorian Plate' stamp and the use of the E.P.B.M. abbreviation are consistent with this period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the Gilded Age, where electroplating technology allowed common households to own 'silver' tea services.
Condition Notes
The image shows 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) and tarnish. E.P.B.M. is prone to denting because the base metal is soft. Condition: Fair to Good.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. Silver-plated Britannia metal generally holds decorative value rather than intrinsic metal value or high collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid heavy abrasive polishes, as the silver layer on E.P.B.M. is very thin and can be easily rubbed away to reveal the gray base metal.
Similar Pieces
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) pieces are similar but use a harder, more durable base metal. Sheffield Plate is an older, more valuable fused-silver alternative.
Interesting Facts
E.G. Webster & Son, the maker, was one of the many firms absorbed by the International Silver Company in 1928, marking the end of its independent brand identity.