Deykin & Harrison Silver-Plated Flatware (EP Pattern)
Flatware · Deykin & Harrison (originally Deykin & Sons), Birmingham, England. Established in 1854, they were renowned producers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and Venetian silver.
Pattern: Standard Georgian/Victorian influenced flatware pattern, currently indeterminate due to view angle; likely a common fiddle or old english variant produced late 19th century.
Type
Flatware
Maker
Deykin & Harrison (originally Deykin & Sons), Birmingham, England. Established in 1854, they were renowned producers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and Venetian silver.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrically coated with a layer of fine silver. This is indicated by the EP and SUN marks rather than sterling hallmarks.
Dimensions
Standard spoon or fork handle width (approx. 1.5-2cm). Weight is typical for nickel-base flatware, which is slightly lighter and resonance-dull compared to solid sterling.
Description
This piece is a classic example of Victorian industrial silver plate. Produced by Deykin & Harrison, it utilizesleur signature 'Sun' mark to denote quality. While not solid silver, these pieces were the backbone of middle-class Victorian dining, offering the luster of silver at a fraction of the cost. The heavy tarnish currently visible hides a once-brilliant electroplated surface.
Key Features
The distinctive Deykin & Harrison 'Sun' mark with the numeric quality designation and the 'EP' oval stamp which clearly identifies it as plated rather than sterling.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrically coated with a layer of fine silver. This is indicated by the EP and SUN marks rather than sterling hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver plate with heavy oxidation (tarnish). The design appears plain with a focus on historical hallmark-mimicry for aesthetic appeal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item features 'Pseudo-Hallmarks' used by Deykin & Harrison: a 'D&S' or 'D&H' in cartouches, a 'SUN' or starburst mark containing the number 3 (representing their proprietary 'Venetian Silver' or quality grade), and the 'EP' oval mark for Electro-Plate. It also shows a possible Register Diamond or design code.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from a flat sheet of nickel silver, followed by electro-chemical silver deposition. Pieces were then hand-buffed and finished.
Functional Features
Standard dining utensil functionality; designed for durability and ease of cleaning compared to solid silver which is softer.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal construction (no hollow filling); flared handle end typical of late Victorian flatware styles.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the stamps are well-aligned but the piece lacks the hand-chased refinement of London-made sterling from the same era.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are consistent with known Deykin & Harrison plate catalogs. The absence of a Lion Passant (British Sterling mark) confirms it is not solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England—the heart of the British industrial silver plate industry.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1910). The use of pseudo-hallmarks was a common practice among Birmingham plate manufacturers to suggest high quality and prestige.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895. Based on the specific style of the Deykin 'Sun' mark and the font of the EP stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the Industrial Revolution, allowing the growing middle class to display 'silver' on their tables without the immense cost of sterling.
Condition Notes
Good structural condition but Poor surface condition. There is heavy tarnish (silver sulfide) and significant 'pitting' or micro-scratching. Possible 'bleeding' where the base nickel silver may show through the plating at high-wear points.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD per individual piece. Value is primarily functional or sentimental rather than as a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid abrasive wools which will strip the thin silver plating and expose the yellow-gray base metal. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Similar to items by Elkington & Co. or Walker & Hall. The primary difference is the specific sunburst maker's mark used by Deykin.
Interesting Facts
Deykin & Harrison's 'Venetian Silver' was marketed as a superior white metal that would not lose its color even if the plating wore off, though it was still essentially a high-grade nickel silver.