Poole Silver Co. Old English Reproduction Silver Plated Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a Bowl, Plate, or Creamer base) · Poole Silver Co. of Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1893, the company became a prominent American manufacturer of pewter and silver-plated items, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Towle Silversmiths in 1971.
Pattern: Old English Reproduction, a long-running series of designs inspired by 18th-century Georgian silver aesthetics.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Bowl, Plate, or Creamer base)
Maker
Poole Silver Co. of Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1893, the company became a prominent American manufacturer of pewter and silver-plated items, eventually becoming a subsidiary of Towle Silversmiths in 1971.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over Copper. The visual evidence of warm, reddish undertones in the wear suggests a copper base metal. There is no sterling (.925) content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 4 to 6 inches for the base/interior shown. Weight is likely substantial due to the copper or nickel brass base metal, typical of mid-century plated hollowware.
Description
This piece is a classic example of American mid-century silver-plated hollowware. Part of Poole's 'Old English Reproduction' line, it sought to bring the elegance of 18th-century British silver into the modern American home at an accessible price point. The item features a deep well and a sturdy base, reflecting the durable manufacturing standards of the Taunton-based workshop.
Key Features
Poole factory crown mark, 'Old English Reproduction' pattern stamp, and the model number '42'. The warm patina suggests 'bleeding' where the silver plate has thinned to reveal the base metal.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Silver Plate over Copper. The visual evidence of warm, reddish undertones in the wear suggests a copper base metal. There is no sterling (.925) content.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a plain, classical Georgian style. The interior shows concentric machine-turned lines and significant surface scratching consistent with domestic use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece is stamped "OLD ENGLISH REPRODUCTION" and the number "42". It features the Poole Silver Co. trademark—a crown logo with identifying initials inside a shield. The absence of the word 'Sterling' confirms it is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun construction. The circular lines visible in the center are indicative of mechanical finishing or spinning on a lathe rather than hand-raising.
Functional Features
Tapered well depth suggesting a vessel for food service or table display. The flat bottom provides stability for liquids or small items.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the current view; however, items in this Poole series often feature simple, cast scroll handles or plain rims if they are trays.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade. The stamping is clear but the finishing shows machine marks rather than the fine artisan chasing found on high-end sterling pieces.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the Poole hallmark and the specific model number '42' are consistent with known catalog items. The industrial nature of the stamping confirms it is a mass-produced plated item rather than a unique hand-wrought piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Taunton, Massachusetts. This city was known as 'Silver City' due to the concentration of companies like Reed & Barton and Poole.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII era). While labeled 'Old English', the design is a colonial revival piece typical of the 1940s-1960s American market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The specific typeface of the stamp and the condition of the plating are consistent with mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' for the middle-class American family in the mid-20th century, where plated items served as status symbols for formal Sunday dinners and holidays.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. The surface shows heavy 'swirl' scratching from improper cleaning or heavy usage. There is significant tarnish (oxidation) and a yellowish/reddish tint suggesting the silver plating is worn (thin).
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $35.00. Silver-plated hollowware from this era typically holds decorative value rather than melt value, and the heavy surface wear limits its collector appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the remaining thin silver layer. Large scratches cannot be removed without professional replating.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' silver plate, Gorham 'Heritage' plated line, or International Silver 'Camille'. These differ mainly in the specific decorative borders and different manufacturer hallmarks.
Interesting Facts
The 'Old English Reproduction' line was so popular that it survived Poole's acquisition by Towle and represents the height of the mid-century craze for 'Traditionalist' American dining decor.