Eales of Sheffield 1779 Style Silver Plate Footed Bowl or Goblet
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Chalice) · Eales of Sheffield (E&Co). While the name suggests British origins, the brand frequently outsourced production to Italy in the late 20th century. They are known for mid-market silver-plated giftware.
Pattern: Eales 1779 line. This is a branding name rather than a historic date of manufacture, intended to evoke traditional Georgian aesthetics.
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Chalice)
Maker
Eales of Sheffield (E&Co). While the name suggests British origins, the brand frequently outsourced production to Italy in the late 20th century. They are known for mid-market silver-plated giftware.
Material
EPBM (Electroplated Britannia Metal) or EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-precious white metal alloy coated in a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 4–6 inches; Diameter: 3–4 inches. Small to medium size. Light weight consistent with silver-plated hollowware.
Description
This is a classic silver-plated footed vessel produced for the Eales 1779 collection. It features a minimalist, elegant silhouette that mimics Georgian-era chalices. The piece is functional and sturdy, though it displays heavy tarnish that masks its original mirror-like luster. It represents the accessible luxury market of the late 20th century, where traditional English designs were mass-produced in European workshops.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the 'EALES 1779' and 'ITALY' stamp combination, which identifies it as trade-level silver plate rather than a collector's investment piece.
Material & Composition
EPBM (Electroplated Britannia Metal) or EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-precious white metal alloy coated in a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver plate finish with significant oxidation (tarnish). The design is largely undecorated, focusing on a classic, slightly flared rim and a stepped circular foot.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The underside is stamped: 'EALES 1779 SILVERPLATE' and 'ITALY'. There is also a small numeric or factory mark '6' visible near the center.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun construction. The bowl and foot were likely manufactured separately and joined using industrial soldering techniques.
Functional Features
Stable pedestal base; flared rim for easy use as a vessel; hollow interior. Designed primarily for decorative display or light service (e.g., candy dish).
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; the stem of the footed base serves as the primary grip point, designed for hand-held use or table placement.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The markings are clear and machine-stamped. Solder joints are clean but lack the character of hand-raised silver. The symmetry is precise, typical of machine production.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Silverplate' stamp is a definitive indicator that this is not sterling silver. The 'Italy' mark confirms it is a modern export piece rather than a 1779 antique.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy for the Eales of Sheffield brand. This reflects the mid-to-late 20th-century trend of British companies outsourcing manufacturing to Italian workshops.
Era & Period
Modern / Late 20th Century. Though it references 18th-century silhouettes, the 'Italy' stamp and font style indicate a production date between 1970 and 1990.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1985. The stamping style and the use of '1779' as a marketing date are characteristic of this period's giftware market.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining aesthetics in the post-war era, allowing middle-class households to own items that mimicked the styles of historic aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Extensive tarnish and 'rainbow' oxidation are visible on the base. There are some minor rim irregularities and surface scuffing. No major dents or plating loss (bleeding) are immediately apparent.
Value Estimate
$10 – $25 USD. These pieces are common in thrift shops and estate sales; value is primarily decorative rather than intrinsic.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the thin silver plating and reveal the base metal underneath.
Similar Pieces
Similar to items by Leonard Silver, Godinger, or International Silver’s silver-plated gift lines. Unlike authentic Sheffield Plate (copper-based), this is a modern electroplated item.
Interesting Facts
Eales of Sheffield often marketed their items in velvet-lined boxes to make them appealing for weddings and anniversaries, despite the items being mass-produced.