Walker & Hall Silver Plate Miniature Condiment Set with Salters, Egg Cup, and Salt Spoon
Hollowware/Tableware (Condiment Set including individual Salt Cellars, an Egg Cup, and a Salt Spoon) · Walker & Hall (Sheffield, England). Founded in 1845 by George Walker. Renowned for pioneering electroplating in Sheffield; became a premier British manufacturer with global showrooms.
Pattern: Early 20th Century Commercial Hollowware. No specific pattern name; features a lobed/scalloped rim design on salters and a plain tapered form on the egg cup.
Type
Hollowware/Tableware (Condiment Set including individual Salt Cellars, an Egg Cup, and a Salt Spoon)
Maker
Walker & Hall (Sheffield, England). Founded in 1845 by George Walker. Renowned for pioneering electroplating in Sheffield; became a premier British manufacturer with global showrooms.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). Base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc alloy electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard miniature sizes: Salt cellars approx. 4 cm diameter; spoon approx. 6-7 cm length. Lightweight due to EPNS construction compared to solid sterling.
Description
This is a miscellaneous assembly of British silver-plated tablewares by the esteemed maker Walker & Hall. The set includes two scalloped salt cellars, a tapered egg cup, and a utility pouring vessel marked for half-pint capacity. Characterized by their industrial stamps and sturdy EPNS construction, these pieces were staples of British mid-range dining services and hotels. They represent the democratization of silver during the early 20th century.
Key Features
W&H Flag trademark, '½ PT' measurement mark, lobed rim salt cellars, and numerical factory reference codes (8869).
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). Base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc alloy electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish currently showing heavy tarnish/oxidization. The salt cellars feature a lobed or 'scalloped' shaped rim (rococo-lite style), while other pieces are plain and utilitarian.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps include the 'W&H' flag trademark (Walker & Hall), 'EP' for electroplate, and numerical design codes (8869, 580A). The elongated piece is marked '½ PT' (Half Pint) and 'MADE IN ENGLAND'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun construction. The bases are flat and industrial-stamped. Typical of high-volume manufacturing from the late Victorian through Mid-century periods.
Functional Features
Includes a 1/2 pint capacity measure (likely a small sauce or mustard boat), open salt cellars for table use, and a matching salt spoon for hygienic serving.
Handle & Grip Details
The salt spoon features a simple 'Fiddle' or 'Old English' style flat handle; other pieces are handle-less vessels designed for easy stacking and table placement.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The stamps are deep and clear, and the spinning of the metal shows high uniformity, typical of the Sheffield manufacturing pinnacle.
Authentication Indicators
The 'W&H' in a pennant/flag is the definitive trademark for Walker & Hall. The alphanumeric fonts and 'EP' stamps are consistent with legitimate Sheffield factory production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Built in the 'Electro Works' factory, which was one of the largest silver-plating facilities in the world during the British Empire.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (likely 1910-1940). Reflects the transition from ornate Victorian styles to more functional, durable hospitality or household silver-plate.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935. The font of the 'MADE IN ENGLAND' stamp and the specific Walker & Hall numerical codes suggest a post-WWI production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard of middle-class British hospitality and the importance of specific vessels for salt and eggs in formal breakfast and dinner services.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. The items show heavy tarnish/oxidization (sulfide deposits) requiring significant polishing. No visible structural dents, but the 'bleeding' of base metal may be present under the tarnish.
Value Estimate
Estimated $20-$45 USD for the group. Individual EPNS pieces by W&H are common; the value lies in their functional use as a 'shabby chic' vintage table set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water first, then use a quality silver cream (Hagerty or Wright's). Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will strip the thin silver plating and expose the yellow nickel-silver base.
Similar Pieces
Elkington & Co. EPNS salts (often heavier plating), Mappin & Webb hotel plate (more minimalist). Alternatives include sterling versions which would carry the Lion Passant mark.
Interesting Facts
Walker & Hall were among the first to receive a license to use the electroplating process from Elkington and eventually became the largest cutlery and plate manufacturer in the UK.