Viking Plate Silver Plate on Copper Small Bowl/Compote
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Individual Nut Dish) · Viking Plate, a Canadian brand typically associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto, Ontario; known for mass-produced silver-plated household items during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Non-specific plain rim pattern with ringed base; standard commercial hollowware design.
Type
Hollowware (Small Bowl or Individual Nut Dish)
Maker
Viking Plate, a Canadian brand typically associated with Lipman-Levinter Ltd. of Toronto, Ontario; known for mass-produced silver-plated household items during the mid-20th century.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Silver) over a secondary base metal of Copper; includes 'Lead Mounts' which refers to a lead-based alloy used for cast decorative elements like the rim or foot.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9-11 cm); estimated weight 150-250 grams depending on lead content in the mounts.
Description
This is a utilitarian Canadian-made silver-plated small bowl. While it mimics the look of solid sterling, the stamp 'E.P. Copper' confirms it is electroplated. The piece features a classic, minimalist aesthetic with a heavy base weighted by lead mounts, a common practice to provide a feel of luxury and stability to lightweight copper pieces.
Key Features
Indication of 'Lead Mounts' which is a specific honesty in mid-century Canadian marking; visible copper 'bleeding' on the interior floor of the bowl.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Silver) over a secondary base metal of Copper; includes 'Lead Mounts' which refers to a lead-based alloy used for cast decorative elements like the rim or foot.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish, now showing Significant 'bleeding' (copper showing through), featuring simple concentric ring molding at the base and a plain rounded rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'VIKING PLATE / MADE IN CANADA / E.P. COPPER / LEAD MOUNTS' in a circular/arc formation on the underside of the base.
Construction Details
Machine-spun copper body with die-cast lead alloy mounts soldered to the rim or base, followed by an electroplating process.
Functional Features
Single-piece open vessel design intended for serving condiments, nuts, or as a finger bowl; weighted stability due to lead mounts.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; handleless bowl design.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial craftsmanship; evidence of spinning marks and machine-stamped hallmark. The soldering of the mounts is functional rather than artistic.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp explicitly identifies it as plated (E.P. Copper), which is consistent with the reddish-pink metal showing through the worn silver surface.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada (likely Toronto); industrial factory production utilizing electroplating over copper sheets.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII era, circa 1940-1960); typical of Canadian production for middle-class domestic use.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s based on the 'Viking Plate' trademark usage and the font/style of the stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining ware in the mid-century, allowing middle-class families to own silver-look service items at a fraction of the cost of solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; significant plating loss on the interior floor where the copper core is clearly visible (bleeding). Moderate surface scratching and adhesive residue remains from a previous price tag.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is minimal due to the base metal composition and significant wear to the silver plating (bleeding).
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver dips as they can accelerate plating loss; clean with mild soapy water and a very soft cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes which will further expose the copper base.
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor (BP) Canada pieces, Marlboro Plate, or Sheridan Silver Plate; these differ by maker mark but utilize similar E.P. on Copper construction.
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate was a staple in Canadian households for decades; the term 'Lead Mounts' was often used to justify the heavy weight of pieces that might otherwise be mistaken for solid silver or high-quality sterling.