Birks Regency Plate E.P. Copper Footed Tray or Bowl, Model 1502
Hollowware (Service Tray or Footed Bowl Base) · Henry Birks & Sons (Birks), Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1879, Birks is often considered the 'Tiffany of Canada' due to its reputation for high quality and prestigious retail locations.
Pattern: Regency Plate (Birks Proprietary Silver Plate Line). Model number 1502. This was a long-running, popular commercial silver plate line in the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Service Tray or Footed Bowl Base)
Maker
Henry Birks & Sons (Birks), Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1879, Birks is often considered the 'Tiffany of Canada' due to its reputation for high quality and prestigious retail locations.
Material
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). This piece is made of a solid copper base metal which has been electrolytically coated with a layer of silver. It contains no solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base approximately 4-6 inches. Weight is substantial due to the copper core, likely 300-600 grams depending on the full height of the piece.
Description
This is the underside base of a Birks Regency Plate hollowware piece, likely a tray, compote, or large bowl. The Birks hallmark is a mark of Canadian quality, signifying that although the piece is plated rather than sterling, it was manufactured to heavy-duty standards for durability and daily use. The concentric ring design offers a clean, architectural aesthetic that was popular in mid-century Canadian dining rooms.
Key Features
Clearly legible 'E.P. Copper' marking distinguishing it from 'E.P.N.S.' (Nickel Silver); the Birks Lion hallmark; and the specific model number 1502 which allows for catalog identification.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Copper (E.P. Copper). This piece is made of a solid copper base metal which has been electrolytically coated with a layer of silver. It contains no solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with concentric circular reeding and stepped molding on the base. Minimalist and functional decoration typical of the mid-century classic revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Lion Rampant logo within a cartouche (Birks Maker's Mark); 'Regency Plate' in script; 'E.P. COPPER' (Electroplated Copper stamp); and '1502' (Model/Catalog number).
Construction Details
Machine-spun and die-stamped copper body. The concentric rings are indicative of lathe-turning or specialized die-forming. The silver layer is electro-deposited.
Functional Features
Stepped circular foot provided stability for a larger vessel or platter. The depressed center indicates a point of attachment or a resting place for a bowl insert.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in this view, though 'Regency Plate' items often featured cast zinc or white metal handles that were silver-plated and attached via lead solder.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stampings are crisp and centered, and the concentric circles are perfectly symmetrical, indicative of Birks' rigorous quality control for their plated lines.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Birks stampings. The wear pattern is consistent with soft silver over a harder base metal. The stamping depth is uniform, typical of factory-produced pieces of this era.
Origin & Manufacturing
Montreal, Canada. Produced in Birks' own manufacturing facilities or commissioned specifically to their high standards for Canadian retail.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / Post-War Era (c. 1940-1960). The 'Regency Plate' line was a staple of Canadian households during this period, bridging the gap between Victorian ornate and modern minimalist styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The font of the stamps and the 'Regency' branding are most consistent with the mid-20th century peak of Birks' silver plate production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Canadian middle-class aspirations in the mid-century. Birks silver plate allowed families to adhere to formal European dining traditions with domestically made goods of high repute.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with polishing. Some moderate tarnish and sulfide spotting in the crevices. No evidence of 'bleeding' (where copper shows through the silver), suggesting the plating is still thick.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. While well-made, silver-plated copper has low intrinsic metal value compared to sterling, and market value is based primarily on utility and brand name recognition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Since this is plated copper, avoid over-polishing which can eventually expose the orange copper beneath the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate E.P.N.S. (Nickel Silver base) which is harder and whiter; Heritage Plate by 1847 Rogers Bros; or hotel-grade silver from Elkington.
Interesting Facts
Henry Birks was a former apprentice at Savage & Lyman before opening his own shop. His 'Regency Plate' line was so durable it carried a lifetime guarantee in its marketing, becoming a standard wedding gift for generations of Canadians.