E.G. Webster & Son Silver-on-Copper Footed Bowl with Britannia Metal Mounts
Hollowware (Bowl or Compote) · E.G. Webster & Son (Brooklyn, NY). Founded in 1860, the firm was known for high-quality silver-plated wares and was later acquired by International Silver Co. in 1928.
Pattern: Unidentified scrolled/floral pattern with gadroon or shell mounts, likely an un-named catalog reference common to late 19th/early 20th century production.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl or Compote)
Maker
E.G. Webster & Son (Brooklyn, NY). Founded in 1860, the firm was known for high-quality silver-plated wares and was later acquired by International Silver Co. in 1928.
Material
Silver Plate over Copper (E.P. Copper). The decorative edges/feet are Britannia Metal (B.M.), an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper used for intricate cast details.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in diameter based on foot proportions. Weight is predominantly due to the copper base and base-metal mounts rather than silver content.
Description
An American silver-plated footed vessel by E.G. Webster & Son. Characterized by its heavy copper construction and ornate cast Britannia metal details, this piece represents the mass-market luxury of the early 1900s. The bowl shows significant age-related patina, giving it a dark, moody aesthetic that highlights its scrolled textures.
Key Features
The 'B.M. MOUNTS' stamp is a diagnostic indicator showing that handles or rims were cast separately from a different alloy to allow for finer detail than the copper body.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over Copper (E.P. Copper). The decorative edges/feet are Britannia Metal (B.M.), an alloy of tin, antimony, and copper used for intricate cast details.
Finish & Decoration
Original silver-plated finish featuring heavy oxidation and tarnish. Decorative elements include cast B.M. mounts (likely floral or rococo scrolls) applied to the rim or base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A distinctive crown and lion logo (pseudo-hallmarks) above the text: 'E.P.C. REV / E.P. ON COPPER / B.M. MOUNTS'. Indicates silver plate on copper with Britannia metal mounts.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper body with die-cast Britannia metal decorative mounts soldered to the edges. Silver is applied via electroplating.
Functional Features
Wide footed base for stability; multi-functional as a centerpiece, fruit bowl, or decorative serving piece.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This appears to be a footed bowl; however, B.M. mounts often include ornate cast handles on similar trays or tureens from this maker.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial craftsmanship utilizing electrodeposition. The assembly shows good solder technique at the mounts, typical of the high-standard Brooklyn silver-plate workshops.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark clearly identifies the manufacturer and metallurgical composition. The presence of E.P. Copper stamps is consistent with authentic E.G. Webster production of that era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Brooklyn, New York, USA. E.G. Webster & Son was a prominent American manufacturer during the Victorian era's boom in electroplated tableware.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th century American Silver Plate (c. 1890-1925), reflecting the Neo-Rococo or American Empire revival styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1920. The specific 'B.M. MOUNTS' designation and logo style are consistent with the early 20th-century production lines.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' during the Gilded Age, allowing middle-class households to own ornate tableware that resembled solid silver pieces found in elite homes.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) across the surface. Visible wear to the silver plating (bleeding) where the pinker copper base may be peeking through. No obvious structural dents seen.
Value Estimate
$30 - $75 USD. Value is held back by the plated nature of the item and the significant tarnish/potential plate wear. Market demand for silver plate is currently low except for highly ornate or signed pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with mild soap and water followed by a high-quality silver cream. Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'dips' which can strip the thin silver layer and expose the copper base (polishing until 'pink').
Similar Pieces
Benedict Silver Co. (E.P.C.), Forbes Silver Co., or Gorham's silver-plated lines. Gorham pieces often feature better overall plate thickness and higher-quality base alloys like Nickel Silver (EPNS).
Interesting Facts
E.G. Webster & Son used pseudo-hallmarks (the lion and crown) to mimic the prestige of British sterling silver, a common marketing tactic for American silver plate manufacturers in the 1800s.