William Suckling & Sons EPNS A1 Silver Plate 1/2 Pint Tankard or Measure
Hollowware (Tankard/Measure) · William Suckling & Sons (WS&S), a well-regarded Birmingham-based firm founded in 1894, known for high-quality silver plate and 'Kingsway' brand wares.
Pattern: Utility or Hotelware Form, often featuring minimalist, sturdy designs for hospitality or household use; numerical code 1732 is a manufacturer catalog number.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard/Measure)
Maker
William Suckling & Sons (WS&S), a well-regarded Birmingham-based firm founded in 1894, known for high-quality silver plate and 'Kingsway' brand wares.
Material
EPNS A1 (Electroplated Nickel Silver, Highest Grade). Base metal is Nickel Silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc), electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard 1/2 Pint capacity. Approximately 9-10 cm in height and weighing between 200-300 grams depending on handle gauge.
Description
A sturdy British-made silver-plated measure intended for kitchen or hospitality service. While not precious metal, the WS&S firm represents the height of English electroplating excellence.
Key Features
Explicit capacity stamping (1/2 Pint) and the A1 quality marking, signifying the thickest level of silver deposit available for plated goods.
Material & Composition
EPNS A1 (Electroplated Nickel Silver, Highest Grade). Base metal is Nickel Silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc), electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with heavy surface scratching from use; minimal decoration to emphasize durability and function; utilitarian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'MADE IN ENGLAND', 'WS&S' (Maker's Mark), 'EPNS' (Material), 'A1' (Highest plating quality), '1732' (Model Reference), and '1/2 PINT' (Capacity).
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun body with an applied (soldered) handle and base rim; industrial-era batch manufacturing.
Functional Features
Precise 1/2 pint volume measurement indicated by stamp; typically features a reinforced rim and flat base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely a 'C' or 'D' shaped handle soldered to the side, characteristic of half-pint measures used in pubs or kitchens.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade production. The stamps are sharp and deep, indicating high-quality steel dies used during the manufacturing process.
Authentication Indicators
The 'EPNS' stamp clearly identifies this as plated rather than sterling. The 'WS&S' mark matches known examples from the William Suckling firm.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; manufactured in the famous Jewellery Quarter/Metalworking district in a specialized plating workshop.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (approx. 1920-1950); reflects the transition from Edwardian elegance to functional industrial aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s-1940s. The typography of 'MADE IN ENGLAND' and the 'A1' grading are consistent with mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
A representative of the British pub and household measurement standards, showing the democratization of 'silver' aesthetics for the middle class and service industry.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Extensive surface scratching (swirl marks) indicate frequent cleaning and use. Tarnish is visible in the recessed lettering of the stamps.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Value is mostly decorative/functional rather than scrap metal value, as there is no significant silver weight to recover.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as it can eventually wear through the silver layer to the nickel base.
Similar Pieces
Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall hotelware tankards. Unlike sterling versions, these will not have the Lion Passant hallmark.
Interesting Facts
The 'A1' marking was a marketing standard to assure buyers that the item would not 'wear through' to the base metal for many years of daily use.