Birks Regency Plate Silver Plate on Copper Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a bowl, dish, or tray base) · Henry Birks & Sons, Canada. Founded in Montreal in 1879, Birks is Canada’s most prestigious jeweler and silversmith, often referred to as the 'Tiffany of the North.'
Pattern: Regency Plate (Birks' proprietary line of high-quality silver plate); Year introduced early 20th century; discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (likely a bowl, dish, or tray base)
Maker
Henry Birks & Sons, Canada. Founded in Montreal in 1879, Birks is Canada’s most prestigious jeweler and silversmith, often referred to as the 'Tiffany of the North.'
Material
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). This consists of a solid copper base metal coated in a layer of silver via electrolysis.
Dimensions
Diameter of base approximately 3-4 inches; weight is substantial due to the copper core, typically heavier than modern sterling or steel-based plate.
Description
This is a base-view of a Birks Regency Plate hollowware item. Regency Plate was Birks' premium silver-plate line, intended to offer the look and heft of Old Sheffield Plate at a more accessible price point for the Canadian middle class.
Key Features
The 'E.P. Copper' designation and the Birks Wheat Sheaf logo are the primary identifiers of quality silver-plated Canadian hollowware.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). This consists of a solid copper base metal coated in a layer of silver via electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish; 'Regency Plate' items typically feature classic Georgian-inspired motifs such as gadrooning or shell borders, though this specific shot shows a plain, concentric circular base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the Birks 'Sheaf of Wheat' logo, 'BIRKS' in a rectangular frame, 'Regency Plate' in script, 'E.P. COPPER' indicating electroplated copper, and the design/model number '1502'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper body with die-struck hallmarks and silver electroplating applied to the finished form.
Functional Features
Concentric footed base designed for stability; '1502' serves as the catalog reference for the specific shape (e.g., a vegetable dish or small platter).
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in image, though Regency Plate serving pieces often feature cast white metal handles or finials soldered to the body.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-quality manufacturing. While machine-made, the plating is thick and the stampings are crisp and deep, indicating better quality than 'E.P.B.M.' (Brittania metal) alternatives.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are consistent with genuine Birks production. The 'E.P. Copper' mark explicitly confirms this is NOT solid sterling silver, which would be marked 'Sterling' or with a Lion Passant.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada; produced in Montreal, Quebec, where Birks maintained significant manufacturing facilities for their silver and plate lines.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940s-1960s); design influenced by traditional 18th-century English Regency aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950; based on the specific typeface of the 'E.P. COPPER' stamp and the established production window for Regency Plate.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-century Canadian aspiration for British-style formal dining and the dominance of Birks in the luxury retail market.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy surface scratching and swirling indicates frequent use and cleaning with abrasive materials. Some tarnish is visible in the recessed lettering.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00 USD; Silver-plated copper items typically trade at decorative value rather than melt/precious metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing, as the silver layer on copper can eventually wear through ('bleeding').
Similar Pieces
Sheffield Plate (antique equivalent), Viking Plate (competitor Canadian brand), or Gorham Heritage (American equivalent). Unlike those, Birks is the only one using the wheat sheaf mark.
Interesting Facts
Birks Regency Plate was a common wedding gift in Canada for decades; many families still have complete tea sets or platters in this exact line.