King's Plate Electroplated Brass Goblet or Vessel, No. 664
Hollowware/Drinking Vessel · King's Plate (often associated with Canadian or American manufacturers specializing in institutional or commercial grade silverplate)
Pattern: Traditional Plainsman / Institutional; Pattern No. 664
Type
Hollowware/Drinking Vessel
Maker
King's Plate (often associated with Canadian or American manufacturers specializing in institutional or commercial grade silverplate)
Material
Electroplated Brass (EP Brass); a thin layer of silver electro-deposited over a base metal of brass
Dimensions
Estimated 12-15cm height based on typical goblet forms; significantly heavier than sterling due to the high density of the brass core (approx 150-250 grams).
Description
A utilitarian yet elegant silver-plated vessel featuring a durable brass core. The interior shows a dramatic spectrum of tarnish colors ranging from purple to gold, a common reaction on silverplate that has been stored in humid or sulfur-rich environments. The construction is solid, intended for long-term use where solid silver would be too soft or expensive.
Key Features
The 'E.P.BRASS' marking is a definitive diagnostic trait that identifies this as non-precious metal. The three-line circular stamping is a common industrial marking method.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Brass (EP Brass); a thin layer of silver electro-deposited over a base metal of brass
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish, currently exhibiting heavy iridescent tarnish (sulfidation); simple, undecorated form following functional lines
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'KING'S PLATE', 'E.P.BRASS', and '664' (design/inventory number). No purity hallmarks or assay office marks indicative of solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-spun or die-stamped body with a soldered base or pedestal; mass-produced commercial construction.
Functional Features
Liquid vessel with a flared rim and recessed base plate; designed for durability in hotel, restaurant, or domestic service.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This appears to be a footed goblet or bowl without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial manufacture; clean stamping and uniform spinning marks suggest high-volume factory production rather than hand-wrought artistry.
Authentication Indicators
The absence of 'Sterling' or '925' and the explicit 'E.P. BRASS' stamp confirms this is not solid silver. The weight and color of the exposed metal (where worn) will reveal a yellow-gold brass tone.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North American (USA or Canada); produced in a factory setting rather than a craft workshop.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (approx. 1940-1970); typical of commercial 'Heavy Plate' era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1960s based on the font style of the stamping and the popularity of brass-based silverplate during this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in 'affordable luxury' where middle-class households and the hospitality industry sought the look of sterling silver without the associated cost.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Structural integrity remains sound, but the silver plating exhibits heavy tarnish and potential 'plate loss' inside the base. Red marker 'X2' is a temporary inventory mark that can be removed with alcohol.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is primarily decorative/utilitarian rather than investment-grade as it contains no measurable precious metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's; avoid abrasive scrubbing which will strip the thin silver layer off the brass. Remove red ink with isopropyl alcohol.
Similar Pieces
Sheridan Silver Co. plated items, Leonard Silverplate vessels, or hotelware by Reed & Barton (which would be marked 'Silver over Nickel' or 'EPC').
Interesting Facts
Silverplate over brass was favored for hotelware because even if the silver wore through (known as 'bleeding'), the underlying gold-toned brass was more aesthetically pleasing than the grey-white of nickel silver.