Viking Plate Electroplated Brass Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a Creamer, Sugar Bowl, or small Pitcher) · Viking Plate, a Canadian brand associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto. Founded in the early 20th century, they were a major manufacturer of mid-market silver-plated tableware in Canada.
Pattern: Standard Production Viking Plate; specific pattern unidentified from base alone, likely a classic Georgian or Victorian revival style.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Creamer, Sugar Bowl, or small Pitcher)
Maker
Viking Plate, a Canadian brand associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto. Founded in the early 20th century, they were a major manufacturer of mid-market silver-plated tableware in Canada.
Material
Silver Plate over Brass (EP Brass). Features lead mounts for decorative elements. Contains no solid silver; the surface is a thin layer of electrodeposited silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base: 2.5–3.5 inches. Relatively heavy due to the brass and lead construction.
Description
This is a base-view of a utility hollowware piece from the Canadian 'Viking Plate' line. While it lacks the prestige of sterling silver, these pieces were staples of Canadian households for mid-century entertaining.
Key Features
Distinctive 'VIKING PLATE' branding and the disclosure of 'LEAD MOUNTS' which indicates the materials used for feet or handles.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over Brass (EP Brass). Features lead mounts for decorative elements. Contains no solid silver; the surface is a thin layer of electrodeposited silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished silver electroplate with visible heavy tarnish and 'fire' (yellowish brass peek-through). Features circular stepped base molding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'VIKING PLATE', 'MADE IN CANADA', 'E.P. BRASS', and 'LEAD MOUNTS'. These are technical specifications rather than true silver hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or pressed brass body with cast lead decorative mounts soldered to the frame before electroplating.
Functional Features
Stable pedestal base for liquid service; likely part of a tea or coffee set.
Handle & Grip Details
Partial view of a cast metal handle; likely a scrolled C-handle style常见 for mid-century plated hollowware.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced factory work. The stamping is clear but the finishing shows the limitations of institutional-grade electroplating.
Authentication Indicators
The 'E.P. BRASS' stamp is the primary indicator that this is a plated item rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Toronto, Canada. Manufactured by Lipman-Levinter or a subcontracted Canadian plant under the Viking trademark.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (approx. 1940-1960). Reflects standard North American mass-market silverplate production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The font style and 'Lead Mounts' designation are typical of mid-century Canadian silverplate.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of formal dining in post-war Canada, allowing middle-class families to own 'silver' service sets.
Condition Notes
Fair. Significant tarnish and 'brassiness' suggesting the silver plating is wearing thin (plate loss). Surface scratches and pitting are visible.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Silver-plated brass items have very little intrinsic metal value and are currently common in the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Use a mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid over-polishing as the thin silver layer will eventually expose all the brass underneath.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate, Marlboro Plate, or Sheridan Silverplate. Unlike Birks, Viking is generally considered a lower-tier 'everyday' brand.
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate was once the largest manufacturer of silver-plated copper and brass hollowware in Canada, widely distributed through department stores.