Daniel & Arter Nickel Silver Flatware Piece
Flatware (likely a Spoon or Fork) · Daniel & Arter (Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter), established in Birmingham, UK. They were a significant manufacturer of silver plate and base metal tableware, known for their proprietary alloys.
Pattern: Fiddle or Old English Variant, produced for mass-market durability.
Type
Flatware (likely a Spoon or Fork)
Maker
Daniel & Arter (Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter), established in Birmingham, UK. They were a significant manufacturer of silver plate and base metal tableware, known for their proprietary alloys.
Material
Nickel Silver (also known as German Silver or Alpacca). Despite the name, this contains no actual silver; it is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. This specific alloy was branded by the maker as NEVADA SILVER.
Dimensions
Standard flatware sizing (Likely 17-21 cm). Weight would be lighter than sterling silver due to the lower density of copper-nickel alloys.
Description
This is a utilitarian piece of British flatware manufactured by Daniel & Arter. While it bears marks that resemble silver hallmarks, it is a high-quality base-metal imitation designed to withstand the rigors of Victorian household use without the cost of sterling. The 'Prince of Wales Feathers' mark was a signature brand indicator for this specific Birmingham workshop.
Key Features
Pseudo-hallmarks (D & A), the Prince of Wales Feathers crest, and the lack of a Lion Passant (British sterling mark). The metal has a characteristic yellowish or greyish tint compared to the white luster of real silver.
Material & Composition
Nickel Silver (also known as German Silver or Alpacca). Despite the name, this contains no actual silver; it is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. This specific alloy was branded by the maker as NEVADA SILVER.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to matte finish due to wear and age. The piece is plain without ornate engraving, typical of daily-use canteen sets from the late Victorian to Edwardian era.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the Daniel & Arter 'Prince of Wales Feathers' crest in a shield. Below it are the pseudo-hallmarks 'D', '&', and 'A' in square punches, intended to mimic the appearance of official British sterling silver hallmarks to the untrained eye. It also features a circular globe or ball mark often associated with their 'Nevada' line.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured. This is a mass-produced industrial item rather than a hand-forged piece from a silversmith workshop.
Functional Features
Standard flatware design intended for durability and corrosion resistance; lack of precious metal content makes it suitable for frequent cleaning and heavy usage.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle, integral to the piece. Simple terminal shape, likely a square or rounded heel typical of the period.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped with clear, consistent marks. The quality control of Daniel & Arter was quite high for base-metal goods, ensuring the pieces felt weighty and balanced in the hand.
Authentication Indicators
The 'D&A' mark is a classic 'look-alike' hallmark. The absence of a town mark (anchor, leopard, etc.) or a fineness mark (925 or Lion) confirms this is not solid silver. The depth of the stamp is consistent with industrial die-pressing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the Globe Nevada Silver Works, which was a large-scale steam-powered factory located on Highgate Street.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Edwardian (Late 19th / Early 20th Century). A period of rapid expansion in the availability of 'imitation' silver for the middle class.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1915. Dating is based on the 'D&A' mark style and the height of the Nevada Silver marketing campaign.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' styles during the Industrial Revolution, allowing middle-class families to own tableware that appeared sophisticated without the investment of precious metals.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. The surface shows heavy 'honest wear' including micro-scratches and dulling which is common for nickel silver. No signs of plating loss because the metal is a solid alloy, not plated.
Value Estimate
Low market value ($5 - $15 USD per piece). These are valued as functional vintage curiosities or for historical interest rather than for scrap metal or investment.
Care & Maintenance
Does not require silver polish as there is no silver to tarnish. Can be cleaned with warm soapy water or a general metal cleaner. It is highly resistant to the 'blackening' tarnish seen on sterling.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The main difference is that EPNS has a thin layer of real silver on top, whereas this 'Nevada' style is the same base alloy throughout.
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter were famous for creating names for their metals to sound more valuable, such as 'Nevada Silver', 'Luton Silver', and 'Japanese Silver', none of which contained any actual silver.