L.B.S. Co. Silver-Plated Hollowware Platter or Tray
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish) · Lawrence B. Smith Co. (L.B.S. Co.), Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1887, the company became a prominent American manufacturer of both sterling and high-quality silver plate.
Pattern: Plain or Classic Border Pattern, Design Number 2454. Produced as part of their hotel or domestic service line.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish)
Maker
Lawrence B. Smith Co. (L.B.S. Co.), Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1887, the company became a prominent American manufacturer of both sterling and high-quality silver plate.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with a 'Superfine' grade silver deposit. The base metal is a non-ferrous alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter or length of 10–14 inches based on curvature. Weight is likely substantial due to the heavy nickel-silver base metal used for 'Superfine' lines.
Description
A classic example of American commercial-grade hollowware. This piece features the clean lines and heavy plating characteristic of the Lawrence B. Smith Co. The 'Superfine' designation indicates a thicker-than-average silver deposit, designed to survive decades of polishing. The pseudo-hallmarks (cross, crown, shield) were a common marketing tactic to mimic the prestige of British sterling while clearly identifying the piece as plated via the EPNS mark.
Key Features
The 'SUPERFINE' stamp and the specific L.B.S. Co. pseudo-hallmark triad (Cross-Crown-Shield) are the primary identifiers.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) with a 'Superfine' grade silver deposit. The base metal is a non-ferrous alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished finish with a plain, unadorned rim. The design focus is on the functional, sleek lines typical of American utility hollowware. It lacks ornate engraving or repoussé, emphasizing durability.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '2454' (catalog/model number); 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver); 'L-B-S CO' (Lawrence B. Smith Co.); a cross, crown, and shield pseudo-hallmarks; and 'SUPERFINE' (quality grade plate).
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun from a flat sheet of nickel silver, followed by electroplating. The rim appears rolled or finished to prevent sharp edges.
Functional Features
Smooth interior surface for food service; wide rim for easy gripping/carrying. Designed for frequent use and polishing.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral rim grip; no secondary handles are visible in this section, indicating a circular platter or oval tray configuration.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamping is even and the plating is exceptionally thick ('Superfine'), showing no signs of wear-through despite the piece's age.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'EPNS' mark explicitly confirms this is not sterling silver. The stamps are crisp and original to the manufacturing process.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Boston, MA. Manufactured in the Lawrence B. Smith Co. factory using industrial electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (c. 1910–1950). The typography of 'Superfine' and the use of pseudo-hallmarks are consistent with American silver plate of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920–1940. This period saw a high demand for 'SUPERFINE' durable plate for both domestic use and the hospitality industry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America, where high-quality silver plate allowed middle-class households to emulate the formal dining traditions of the elite.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating appears intact with no visible 'bleeding' (where the yellowish base metal shows through). There are light surface scratches and minor tarnish consistent with age and stacking.
Value Estimate
$20 - $55 USD. Silver-plated hollowware generally has low intrinsic metal value but maintains utility/decorative value for vintage themed dining.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer. Hand dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Similar Pieces
Similar items by Gorham (EP) or Reed & Barton (Silver Plate) would have different manufacturer logos but follow the same EPNS construction and numbering logic.
Interesting Facts
The Lawrence B. Smith Co. was known for producing high-quality silver items that were often used in luxury hotels and steamships due to their 'Superfine' durability.