Viking Plate Silver Plate on Copper Pierced Basket
Hollowware (Bread Basket / Bonbon Dish) · Lipman-Levinter Industries under the 'Viking Plate' brand, a prominent Canadian silver plate manufacturer based in Toronto, known for mid-market domestic hollowware.
Pattern: Pierced Scroll & Floral Pattern; specific pattern numbers for Viking Plate are often uncatalogued in public databases but follow traditional Neo-Rococo aesthetics.
Type
Hollowware (Bread Basket / Bonbon Dish)
Maker
Lipman-Levinter Industries under the 'Viking Plate' brand, a prominent Canadian silver plate manufacturer based in Toronto, known for mid-market domestic hollowware.
Material
Silver Plate on Copper (EP on Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Mixed materials include the copper substrate which is visible through 'bleeding' wear.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 inches in length. Standard serving basket height. Weight is substantial due to the copper base, typically ranging between 400-700 grams depending on exact size.
Description
A classic example of mid-century Canadian silver plate, this Viking Plate basket features intricate pierced sidewalls and an elegant scrolled handle. The 'Silver on Copper' construction was favored for its durability and the warm 'copper bleed' that occurs as the silver wears away, a look that many vintage collectors actually find desirable.
Key Features
The 'Viking Plate' and 'Canada' stamps are definitive. The prominent use of copper as a base metal is a hallmark of this brand, designed to mimic the appearance of expensive Old Sheffield Plate.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on Copper (EP on Copper). The base metal is solid copper, which has been electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Mixed materials include the copper substrate which is visible through 'bleeding' wear.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with heavy pierced openwork (likely die-cut). Features a chased or engraved scrolling border along the rim. The visible section shows a scrolled overhead handle and a Neo-Victorian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'VIKING PLATE' in an arc, followed by 'MADE IN CANADA' and 'COPPER'. Includes the Lipman-Levinter 'W' in a diamond or shield shape (partially obscured). No sterling marks or date letters are present as this is plate.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed copper sheet that has been die-pierced for the decorative openwork. The handle is likely cast or stamped copper strip soldered to the main body before the electroplating process.
Functional Features
Arcing overhead stationary handle for ease of passing during service. Pierced sides allow for airflow (ideal for warm breads) and provide a lightweight visual aesthetic to a heavy metal piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Fixed, arcing handle made of silver-plated copper. It features a wide, flat profile for a secure grip, integrated into the body via solder joins.
Craftsmanship Details
Effective industrial manufacturing. While not hand-wrought, the die-cutting and soldering are of good domestic quality, ensuring the piece remains structurally sound even as the finish wears.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Viking Plate' stamp is an industry-standard trademark. The presence of copper underneath the silver layer serves as a primary material authentication for this specific brand and line.
Origin & Manufacturing
Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Manufactured by Lipman-Levinter, reflecting the British-Canadian silver tradition of the mid-century.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1960s). This period saw a high production of silver-plated copper in Canada as affordable luxury items for the growing middle class.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the 'Viking Plate' logo and the popularity of silver-on-copper during the post-WWII era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Sunday best' dining culture of mid-century Canada, where families used silver-plated items to emulate traditional British aristocratic dining habits at a more accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is significant 'bleeding' where the silver plate has worn away to reveal the red copper underneath, particularly on high points and near the stamps. This is common for domestic items of this age.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is largely decorative; silver plate does not have significant melt value, and copper-base items are common in the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing, as the silver layer is already thin and further abrasion will increase the copper bleed. Hand wash only; never put in a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor (BP) Canada, Marlboro Plate, and Sheridan Silver. These makers produced nearly identical pierced copper-base baskets with slight variations in the scroll patterns.
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate was a staple in Canadian households for decades and was frequently given as wedding or anniversary gifts. It is often confused with 'Viking' by Reed & Barton, which is a different American line.