Rodd Silverware EPNS Salad Serving Set
Flatware (Serving Piece) · Rodd (Rodd Silverware), a well-known Australian manufacturer established in Melbourne known for producing quality silver-plated tableware and giftware.
Pattern: Unspecified floral and scroll decorative serving pattern featuring heavily pierced and chased bowls.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece)
Maker
Rodd (Rodd Silverware), a well-known Australian manufacturer established in Melbourne known for producing quality silver-plated tableware and giftware.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a copper or nickel brass base alloy.
Dimensions
Standard salad serving set dimensions, roughly 22 to 25 cm in length, lightweight due to silver-plated base metal composition.
Description
An elegant boxed salad serving set by Rodd, featuring an ornate pierced and chased floral pattern across both the spoon and fork bowls. The set is beautifully preserved in its original presentation box lined with purple satin fabric, characteristic of mid-century wedding gifts and formal dining accessories.
Key Features
Extensive piercing and floral chasing on the bowls, original presentation box with branded Rodd gold lettering.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a copper or nickel brass base alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polished finish on the center bowl areas with heavily chased and engraved floral motifs, scrollwork, and pierced fretwork around the borders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked 'RODD' along with EPNS designations on the reverse side of the handles.
Construction Details
Die-struck handles and bowls, joined via soldering at the shank, typical of mid-to-late 20th-century mass production plating techniques.
Functional Features
Includes a pronged salad fork and a deep-bowled salad spoon designed for serving greens, pasta, or fruit.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handles decorated with embossed floral and scroll designs, featuring comfortable flared ends.
Craftsmanship Details
Good commercial-grade execution with crisp stamping and detailed floral repoussé simulation typical of mid-century electroplate production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear Rodd maker signature on the box and standard EPNS trade stamps typical of Australian silver-plated presentation wares.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Melbourne, Australia by Rodd, reflecting Australian manufacturing traditions of silver-plated tableware.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950-1970), reflecting popular post-war dining and giftware trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1970s based on the box styling and traditional presentation packaging.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war suburban lifestyle and the tradition of formal dining entertaining with matching silver-plated serving accessories.
Condition Notes
Excellent vintage condition with minimal surface wear and minor natural tarnish spots (patina) along the edges; original presentation box shows minor storage wear.
Value Estimate
Modest collector and secondary market value, typically ranging from $30 to $80 USD depending on condition and completeness with the original box.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use mild silver cream like Wright's only when necessary to preserve the electroplated finish.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated salad sets by Australian makers such as Plated Products or English manufacturers like Walker & Hall.
Interesting Facts
Rodd was a household name in Australia for engagement and wedding gifts during the mid-20th century, particularly famous for their boxed cutlery and serving sets.