Roberts & Belk Silver Plated Sauce Boat
Hollowware (Sauce Boat / Gravy Boat) · Roberts & Belk, a significant Sheffield-based manufacturer founded in 1809. They were known for high-quality electroplate and sterling silver, eventually becoming part of C.J. Vander in the 1960s.
Pattern: Classical Georgian Style reproduction pattern; mid-20th century production.
Type
Hollowware (Sauce Boat / Gravy Boat)
Maker
Roberts & Belk, a significant Sheffield-based manufacturer founded in 1809. They were known for high-quality electroplate and sterling silver, eventually becoming part of C.J. Vander in the 1960s.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy with a thin surface layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated at 15-20cm in length; weight approximately 250-350 grams. Standard individual or small family serving size.
Description
This is a classic British sauce boat by the esteemed firm Roberts & Belk. Designed in the traditional Georgian taste, it features a graceful curved body. However, the internal silver plating has been heavily compromised, exposing the base metal (nickel silver), making it a decorative piece rather than a functional utensil.
Key Features
Roberts & Belk maker's pedigree and the classic three-footed English silhouette.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy with a thin surface layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a simple gadroon or plain rim (inferred from style period). The interior shows significant degradation of the silver layer.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely marked with 'R & B' alongside a lamp symbol, EPNS, and 'Made in England' stamps on the base (partially obscured in image). No sterling lion passant is present.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with cast feet and handles soldered to the main vessel. Typical mid-market industrial manufacturing.
Functional Features
Spouted pouring lip and stabilized tripod feet. Internal pitting suggests it is no longer suitable for acidic food storage.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely a scroll-style cast handle soldered at two points. Condition appears stable but shows surface tarnish.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality soldering for a plated item, but the thinness of the electroplate is evident in the wear patterns shown.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic base-metal oxidation patterns and the absence of British Sterling hallmarks. Marking style is consistent with post-WWII Roberts & Belk.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, a world-renowned center for silver and plate production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960) in the Neo-Georgian revival style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The degradation of the plating and the style of the listing suggest a vintage rather than antique piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century British trend of reproducing 18th-century silhouettes for middle-class dining sets.
Condition Notes
Satisfactory/Fair. There is heavy pitting and 'bleeding' in the interior where the silver plate has worn through to the nickel base. Not food safe.
Value Estimate
£5 - £15. The low value is due to the 'plate loss' and lack of food safety.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water; avoid silver dips which will further strip the thin plating. Recommended for use as a planter or desk organizer only.
Similar Pieces
Gorham silver plate gravy boats or Viners of Sheffield pieces; the Roberts & Belk version typically has slightly higher build quality than standard 'high street' plate.
Interesting Facts
Roberts & Belk were famous for supplying silver to prestigious shipping lines including the White Star Line (Titanic).