Edward Sheffield Collection Silver Plate Candlestick or Compote Base
Hollowware (Candlestick or Compote base) · Edward Sheffield Collection. The 'Edward' brand is a 20th-century label often associated with high-quality silver-plated wares produced in the tradition of Sheffield, England, though often marketed by import companies.
Pattern: Sheffield Collection Modern Traditional; specific pattern unnamed but features a reinforced rolled rim and classic stepped base common to mid-century English revival styles.
Type
Hollowware (Candlestick or Compote base)
Maker
Edward Sheffield Collection. The 'Edward' brand is a 20th-century label often associated with high-quality silver-plated wares produced in the tradition of Sheffield, England, though often marketed by import companies.
Material
Silver Plate on Base Metal (likely Copper or Brass). The absence of a sterling lion passant or .925 mark confirms it is electroplated silver (EP).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base: 4 to 5 inches. Estimated weight: 400-600 grams, likely weighted with resin or pitch for stability.
Description
This is a substantial weighted silver-plated base from the Edward Sheffield Collection. It features a brilliant mirror-polished surface and a stepped, flared design that reflects light beautifully. While not solid sterling, it represents the mid-century effort to bring the prestige of historic Sheffield silver into modern homes through durable electroplating and classic silhouettes.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'Edward' shield and crown logo. The presence of pseudo-hallmarks (symbols in squares) is a key indicator of plated silver intended to look like traditional English sterling.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on Base Metal (likely Copper or Brass). The absence of a sterling lion passant or .925 mark confirms it is electroplated silver (EP).
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a weighted base. The design is Neoclassical with clean, stepped circular bands and a simple flared rim. Minimalist decoration focuses on form and luster rather than ornate chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece features an elaborate 'Edward' heraldic crest consisting of a crown above a shield with a lion rampant. Below the shield, it is stamped 'EDWARD' and 'SHEFFIELD COLLECTION' in sans-serif block letters, followed by three pseudo-hallmarks (EP, crown, and maker's device) designed to mimic British Sterling marks.
Construction Details
Spun silver plate construction. The concentric circles visible on the underside of the hollow interior indicate it was shaped on a lathe. The base is rolled over a weighted core.
Functional Features
Weighted base for stability to prevent tipping. The central cavity suggests it serves as the foot for either a candlestick nozzle or a decorative bowl/compote plate.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Functional grip is provided by the broad, weighted circular base design.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of machine spinning and die-stamping. The markings are deep and clear, indicating a high-quality commercial manufacture rather than a hand-wrought artisanal piece.
Authentication Indicators
The marks 'EP' or the lack of a 'Sterling' stamp are the primary indicators of silver plate. The pseudo-hallmarks are a common commercial tactic for plated items and should not be confused with official Assay Office marks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in England (Sheffield district) or imported to the US under an English-sounding brand name. The 'Sheffield Collection' mark was widely used in American retail for English-style plated goods.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Modern Revival). It emulates the Georgian Sheffield plate style but uses modern electroplating and stamping techniques common from 1950-1980.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980. The typography of the stamps and the use of the 'Sheffield Collection' trademark are typical of the mid-to-late 20th-century giftware market.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'silver for the masses' movement of the 20th century, where high-quality plated items allowed middle-class families to own formal table settings that mimicked aristocratic Georgian silver.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall. There are visible surface scratches consistent with polishing ('swirl marks') and some light tarnishing in the interior crevice. No visible 'bleeding' (copper showing through) at the edges, suggesting the plating is still intact.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD. Values for plated hollowware are generally based on decorative utility rather than metal weight, as the silver content is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a dry, flannel-lined chest to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to Reed & Barton or Gorham silver-plated hollowware. Unlike 'Old Sheffield Plate' (which is fused copper and silver), this item is electroplated, making it more affordable and uniform in appearance.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Sheffield' is protected in some contexts, but 'Sheffield Collection' was a popular marketing term used for silver-plated items that followed the heritage of the original 18th-century fused-plate process, even if they used modern electroplating.