Mappin & Webb Princes Plate Silver-Plated Octagonal Teapot (W16606)
Tea Service (Teapot) · Mappin & Webb Ltd., a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmithing firm founded in 1775, known for high-quality silver plate and Royal Warrants for multiple British Monarchs.
Pattern: Princes Plate (Triple Deposit), Geometric Octagonal Pattern, Early 20th Century Production.
Type
Tea Service (Teapot)
Maker
Mappin & Webb Ltd., a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmithing firm founded in 1775, known for high-quality silver plate and Royal Warrants for multiple British Monarchs.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) using 'Princes Plate' technology, a heavy triple-deposit silver plate unique to Mappin & Webb, featuring a nickel silver base.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 4.5 inches across base, estimated height 5-6 inches, 1-pint capacity, weighing approximately 400-600 grams.
Description
An elegant example of British functionalism, this octagonal teapot showcases Mappin & Webb's proprietary 'Princes Plate', designed to survive rigorous daily use while maintaining the luster of sterling silver. Its architectural form reflects the shift toward the Art Deco movement, favoring geometric discipline over floral ornamentation.
Key Features
The 'Princes Plate' branding and 'W' prefix catalog number are diagnostic traits of Mappin & Webb hospitality and residential lines; the octagonal footprint is a standout geometric feature.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) using 'Princes Plate' technology, a heavy triple-deposit silver plate unique to Mappin & Webb, featuring a nickel silver base.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with unadorned, flat-faceted octagonal sides characteristic of the late Edwardian and early Art Deco aesthetic transitions.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mappin & Webb's M-and-Crows-Foot logo, 'MAPPIN & WEBB'S PRINCES PLATE LONDON & SHEFFIELD', catalog number 'W16606', and quantity mark '1 PINT'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck panels with machine-soldered joints; the octagonal base is integrated via a rolled or soldered seam to the main body.
Functional Features
Includes a 1-pint liquid capacity mark for precise serving; likely features an internal strainer at the spout base and a hinged lid (though lid not visible).
Handle & Grip Details
Likely features a bakelite or ebony heat-insulated handle consistent with early 20th-century tea service designs to prevent thermal transfer.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship; the precision of the octagonal facets indicates superior die-work compared to generic electroplated competitors.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep Mappin & Webb workshop stamps; wear patterns are consistent with electroplated nickel silver rather than sterling; catalog number matches known M&W records for tea hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England; manufactured in Mappin & Webb's renowned 'Royal Works' factory known for durability in hotel and domestic ware.
Era & Period
Late Edwardian / Early Art Deco (c. 1910-1925), transitioning from Victorian ornate styles to clean, geometric Modernist forms.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1920, based on the specific 'Princes Plate' stamp style and the sans-serif catalog number W16606.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of British hotel and rail travel, where heavy-plated high-design ware was used to signify luxury and durability in public service.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy surface scratches and 'swirls' consistent with aggressive cleaning; significant tarnish on the base and possible 'bleeding' of the base metal at the edges.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Value is limited by its status as silver plate rather than solid sterling, though Mappin & Webb pieces carry a brand premium.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's); avoid liquid dips which can seep into hollow handles or damage the 'triple deposit' over time.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall octagonal plated teapots or Elkington & Co. hotel ware; differentiated by Mappin's specific 'Princes Plate' designation which holds higher collector value in the plated market.
Interesting Facts
Princes Plate was marketed as being 'guaranteed to last a lifetime,' using a silver deposit significantly thicker than standard EPNS of the era.