Sheridan Silver Co. Electroplated Silver on Copper Tray or Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or serving vessel base) · Sheridan Silver Co., Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1944, Sheridan was a prominent American manufacturer of silver-plated hollowware, later acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 1960s. They were known for traditional designs and durable plating.
Pattern: Unidentified specific pattern; Sheridan produced many unnamed colonial and rococo-style serving pieces throughout the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or serving vessel base)
Maker
Sheridan Silver Co., Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1944, Sheridan was a prominent American manufacturer of silver-plated hollowware, later acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 1960s. They were known for traditional designs and durable plating.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Silver on Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electrolytically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. Unlike EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver), this uses copper which shows a reddish-pink hue when the plating wears thin.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter or length of 12-18 inches based on standard serving trays; weight is typically heavy due to the copper core, likely ranging from 800g to 1500g depending on the specific form.
Description
This is a quintessential example of mid-20th-century American silver-plated hollowware. Produced by the Sheridan Silver Co., the piece utilizes a copper base to provide a substantial weight and quality feel. The seahorse hallmarks are a recognizable sign of Taunton manufacturing. While functionally versatile for hosting, the item is valued today more for its decorative utility than as a precious metal investment.
Key Features
Twinned seahorse hallmarks, 'Silver on Copper' block text, copper base metal (detectable by weight and the 'bleeding' of red metal in worn areas).
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Silver on Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electrolytically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. Unlike EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver), this uses copper which shows a reddish-pink hue when the plating wears thin.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. The image shows significant surface scratching (use-wear) and a plain center. Typically, these pieces feature gadroon or shell borders which are not visible in this cropped view of the base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The mark consists of two heraldic seahorses (Sheridan's logo) flanking the words 'SILVER ON COPPER' in a block arrangement. The seahorses often contain a small 'S' on their tails. There are no fineness marks (like 925), which is correct for plated ware.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper base with applied die-cast decorative borders (if present). The hallmarks are machine-stamped into the base. It is a mass-produced commercial item rather than a hand-wrought piece.
Functional Features
Designed for food service or display. The use of a copper base provides excellent heat conductivity if used for hot service, though the silver layer is primary for aesthetics and hygiene.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This view shows the underside of the main body; any handles would likely be cast white metal or copper, silver-plated and soldered to the rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; cleanly struck hallmarks and professional electroplating. The scratches suggest it has been cleaned roughly over several decades, obscuring the original factory luster.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are consistent with known Sheridan Silver Co. branding from the 1950s. The 'Silver on Copper' stamp is a standard industry disclosure for plated goods of that era.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; Taunton, Massachusetts—a city historically known as 'Silver City' due to the high density of silversmithing companies like Reed & Barton and Poole Silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern era (Post-WWII American 1940s-1960s). It reflects the high demand for 'affordable luxury' in American households during the suburban expansion of the 1950s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1965. The style of the Sheridan seahorse logo and the 'Silver on Copper' stamp are indicative of their peak production years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of the American middle-class dinner party, where silver-plated service sets were standard wedding gifts and symbols of domestic hospitality.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is extensive surface scratching/scuffing consistent with heavy use and cleaning with abrasive pads. No major dents are visible in this section, but 'bleeding' (copper showing through) may be present on high-relief decorative areas not shown.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00. Value is primarily decorative and functional. Silver-plated items do not have significant scrap value as the silver content is less than 1% of the total weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Use a soft cotton cloth and avoid abrasive scouring pads which caused the scratching seen in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to items by Sheffield (USA), Poole Silver, or Leonard Silver. Sheridan is generally considered mid-market quality compared to premium plated brands like Christofle or high-end Gorham plate.
Interesting Facts
Sheridan's use of copper as a base metal during the mid-20th century was a marketing point, as it allowed them to claim their pieces were 'heavier' and more traditional than those using nickel-silver alloys (EPNS).