Victorian Silver Plated Trifid Footed Sugar Bowl or Salt Cellar by Atkin Brothers
Hollowware - Sugar Bowl or Salt Cellar (Footed Bowl) · Atkin Brothers (marked with the 'A' maker's mark and cartouche), a prominent Sheffield-based manufacturing silversmith firm operating extensively through the Victorian era and well into the 20th century.
Pattern: Plain spherical or globular footed hollowware body, traditional Victorian utilitarian design line without a named fancy pattern.
Type
Hollowware - Sugar Bowl or Salt Cellar (Footed Bowl)
Maker
Atkin Brothers (marked with the 'A' maker's mark and cartouche), a prominent Sheffield-based manufacturing silversmith firm operating extensively through the Victorian era and well into the 20th century.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a durable copper-nickel-zinc alloy coated with a layer of electrodeposited pure silver.
Dimensions
Compact cabinet or table hollowware piece, approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter and height, with a light to moderate weight typical of small plated hollowware.
Description
An appealing Victorian electroplated nickel silver footed bowl, featuring a smooth, reflective globular body supported by three classic ball feet. The underside displays crisp British EPNS hallmarks alongside the inventory number 5417, offering a glimpse into late-Victorian domestic table accessories.
Key Features
Distinctive Atkin Brothers maker's mark, clear EP'NS purity stamps, numeric pattern/catalog number 5417, and a classic three-ball footed configuration.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a durable copper-nickel-zinc alloy coated with a layer of electrodeposited pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with plain, undecorated globular body raised upon three distinct ball or bun feet. Minimalist aesthetic showcasing the reflective quality of the silver plate.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly struck Atkin Brothers EPNS hallmarks: featuring the maker's initial 'A', the 'EP' (Electro Plated) and 'NS' (Nickel Silver) designations, a graphic trademark symbol, and the shape or pattern inventory number '5417' stamped below.
Construction Details
Machine-assisted and hand-finished electroplate construction. The body is formed via spinning or stamping, with the three distinct ball feet securely soldered to the rounded base.
Functional Features
Tripod ball feet elevate the bowl to protect table surfaces and provide structural stability on uneven dining surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless open bowl design relying on the globular perimeter for gripping or handling during use.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean solder application at the feet joints, even wall thickness achieved through professional metal spinning, and a well-executed bright mirror polish.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are deeply and cleanly struck, featuring standard British trade abbreviations ('EPNS') and a recognized maker initial ('A'), authenticating it as a genuine late 19th-century English electroplated piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global epicenter of silver plating innovation and high-volume hollowware production.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), indicated by the typical EPNS marking system and maker's typography common to late 19th-century British silver manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1900, based on the typography of the numerals and the specific format of the Atkin Brothers EPNS trademark stamps.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian expansion of middle-class dining culture, where affordable electroplated wares allowed households to replicate elite silver tea and table traditions.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The silver-plated surface shows minor hairline scratches and typical light polishing wear consistent with age, but no major base metal bleed-through or structural dents.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $80 USD, depending on current local antique market demand, condition, and decorative appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use mild silver polishing creams specifically formulated for silver plate only when necessary to avoid wearing through the thin silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Similar Victorian and Edwardian EPNS open salts, sugar basins, and mustard pots produced by contemporary Sheffield makers such as Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall.
Interesting Facts
Atkin Brothers traced their corporate lineage back to Harry Atkin and earlier Sheffield partnerships, becoming one of the most reliable exporters of quality Victorian silver and plate.