Primrose Plate E.P. Copper B.M. Mounts Silver Plate Footed Bowl
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote) · Primrose Silver Co. (Toronto, Canada). Founded in the early 20th century, they were a notable Canadian manufacturer known for producing silver-plated consumer wares for the domestic market.
Pattern: Pattern #998. This is a commercial design from the mid-20th century, likely featuring Rococo-style scrolling floral mounts.
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Primrose Silver Co. (Toronto, Canada). Founded in the early 20th century, they were a notable Canadian manufacturer known for producing silver-plated consumer wares for the domestic market.
Material
Electroplated Silver over Copper (E.P. Copper). The decorative edges/feet are Britannia Metal (B.M. Mounts), which is a white metal alloy of tin, antimony, and copper.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter and 3-5 inches in height. Weight is likely substantial due to the copper base and cast white metal mounts.
Description
A mid-20th-century silver-plated footed bowl characteristic of Canadian domestic hollowware. The piece features a robust copper core with a silver coating, elevated by ornate white-metal feet. The underside reveals the industrial heritage of the Primrose Silver Company, showing the '998' catalog number and clear material identifiers.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'B.M. Mounts' stamp, indicating the decorative elements are a different alloy than the body, and its heavy iridescent atmospheric tarnish.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Silver over Copper (E.P. Copper). The decorative edges/feet are Britannia Metal (B.M. Mounts), which is a white metal alloy of tin, antimony, and copper.
Finish & Decoration
Originally a high-polish mirror finish; currently showing heavy iridescent tarnish (patina). Features applied scroll and shell cast mounts in the Neo-Rococo style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'PRIMROSE PLATE', 'E.P. COPPER', 'B.M. MOUNTS', and the numeric pattern code '998'. There are no sterling silver hallmarks (no lion passant or .925).
Construction Details
Machine-spun body made of copper with electroplated silver. The feet/rims (mounts) are cast Britannia metal and soldered to the main body.
Functional Features
Tri-footed support for stability; intended for use as a centerpiece bowl for fruit, rolls, or decorative display.
Handle & Grip Details
Features three cast decorative scroll feet (mounts) soldered to the underside. No primary handles are visible from the bottom view.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial quality. The stamping is clear and aligned. The soldering of the feet is sturdy but shows the mass-produced nature of the joinery.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are definitive for silver plate. The presence of 'E.P. Copper' explicitly confirms it is not solid silver. The iridescence is typical of aged silver sulfide layers on plated surfaces.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Toronto, Canada. Produced in a factory setting using industrial electroplating and casting techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Retro (c. 1940-1960). It reflects a revival of Victorian and Rococo decorative styles common in post-war household silver plate.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The typography of the stamp and the specific material combination (EP Copper with BM Mounts) are hallmarks of mid-century Canadian production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'affordable luxury' market of the mid-20th century, where middle-class families could own silver-style serving pieces that emulated the grander Victorian styles of the past.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and 'rainbow' oxidation are present. There are visible surface scratches and potential 'bleeding' where the silver plate may have worn thin to reveal the copper (though mostly obscured by tarnish).
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is modest as it is silver plate rather than sterling, and Primrose Plate is a common manufacturer with high production volume.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Do not use abrasive 'dip' cleaners as they may strip the thin silver layer and expose the red copper base. Use a soft cotton cloth to restore the shine.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Birks Regency Plate or Benedict Proctor pieces. Unlike Birks, which often used Nickel Silver (EPNS) as a base, this uses Copper (EP Copper).
Interesting Facts
Primrose Plate is a staple of Canadian antique hunting; the use of Britannia Metal for mounts allowed for more intricate, heavy-looking details without the high cost of solid silver or heavy copper casting.