The Sterling Jewellery Silver-Plated Tableware Piece
Hollowware (likely Tray, Bowl, or Dish) · The Sterling Jewellery, located in Valletta, Malta. This is a prominent Maltese retailer and workshop founded in 1896, known for both fine jewelry and luxury gifts.
Pattern: Undetermined; based on the sticker, this is a retail-branded piece rather than a specific silversmith pattern collection.
Type
Hollowware (likely Tray, Bowl, or Dish)
Maker
The Sterling Jewellery, located in Valletta, Malta. This is a prominent Maltese retailer and workshop founded in 1896, known for both fine jewelry and luxury gifts.
Material
Silver-plated; likely Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or brass base. Contrary to the company name 'The Sterling,' the stamped mark explicitly confirms it is 'Silverplated' and NOT solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Unknown without perspective; however, Maltese silver-plated hollowware from this retailer typically ranges from 15cm to 30cm in diameter for dishes.
Description
A silver-plated giftware item sold through Malta's most prestigious jewelry house. The piece features a bright, reflective surface and carries the hallmark of 6 Kingsway, a historic address in the heart of Valletta. It represents the mid-market luxury gift trade of post-war Malta.
Key Features
Dual marking (stamp and sticker), Maltese retail provenance, and the paradoxical 'Silverplated' stamp by a company named 'The Sterling'.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated; likely Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or brass base. Contrary to the company name 'The Sterling,' the stamped mark explicitly confirms it is 'Silverplated' and NOT solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish. This piece appears to be a mid-century or modern 'plain' style (undecorated) to showcase the luster of the plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Incised stamp: 'Silverplated' and 'THE STERLING JEWELLERY'. Original gold-tone oval retail sticker: 'The STERLING JEWELLERY, 6 Kingsway, Valletta, MALTA'. No purity marks (like 925 or the Maltese cross) are present because the item is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun from a flat sheet of base metal then electroplated. This is typical of mass-produced 20th-century luxury retail items.
Functional Features
Smooth surface intended for serving or display; likely features a rolled edge (typical of plated giftware) for structural rigidity.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in the image provided; likely a flat-surfaced tray or simple bowl without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial quality for the period. The stamp is legibly struck but slightly uneven, suggesting a hand-stamped process for retail branding on a manufactured blank.
Authentication Indicators
The sticker and stamp are consistent with mid-century Maltese retail standards. The 'Silverplated' stamp clearly identifies the metal content, preventing it from being misidentified as solid silver despite the company name.
Origin & Manufacturing
Valletta, Malta. While The Sterling Jewellery is a Maltese firm, they frequently imported high-quality plated goods from the UK or Italy for local branding.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-20th Century. The address '6 Kingsway' was the name of the main street in Valletta (now Republic Street) during the British colonial period and shortly after.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1970. The use of 'Kingsway' in the address and the typography of the stamp suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the British influence on Maltese luxury goods; during the mid-20th century, high-quality silver plate was a staple wedding and commemorative gift among the Maltese middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating appears intact with minimal 'bleeding' of the base metal. Surface shows light micro-scratching consistent with polishing and age. Some adhesive residue around the sticker.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. As a silver-plated item rather than solid sterling, its value is decorative and sentimental rather than based on metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam or cream. Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of silver plating and expose the yellow/grey base metal.
Similar Pieces
English EPNS trays by Viners or Walker & Hall. The primary difference is the specific Maltese branding which adds local historical value but does not increase precious metal value.
Interesting Facts
The Sterling Group is still one of Malta's largest luxury retailers today. Their original shop on Kingsway (now Republic Street) remains a landmark for shoppers in the capital.