Thomas Bradbury & Sons Electroplated Nickel Silver (EP) on Copper Hollowware
Hollowware (likely Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish base) · Thomas Bradbury & Sons (Sheffield, England). Established in 1736, this firm was one of the oldest and most respected Sheffield silversmiths, known historically for both sterling and high-quality plated goods.
Pattern: Unspecified Traditional / Sheffield Style; the brand focused on Georgian and Victorian reproduction patterns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Hollowware (likely Tray, Platter, or Serving Dish base)
Maker
Thomas Bradbury & Sons (Sheffield, England). Established in 1736, this firm was one of the oldest and most respected Sheffield silversmiths, known historically for both sterling and high-quality plated goods.
Material
Silver Plate on Copper. The base metal is copper, which has been electroplated with a layer of silver. This is indicated by the 'E.P. ON COPPER' stamp.
Dimensions
Standard large serving piece dimensions; typically 30-50 cm in length. Weight is substantial due to the copper core but does not contribute to 'melt value' as it is not solid silver.
Description
A utilitarian yet historically rooted example of English silver plating. This piece represents the industrial transition of Thomas Bradbury & Sons, moving from traditional hand-wrought silver to high-volume, durable electroplated copper for the middle-class market.
Key Features
The 'E.P. ON COPPER' stamp is the primary diagnostic feature, identifying it as plated rather than sterling. The crisp Gothic 'TB&S' marks are signature to this specific maker.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on Copper. The base metal is copper, which has been electroplated with a layer of silver. This is indicated by the 'E.P. ON COPPER' stamp.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-brushed or worn mirror finish. The visible surface shows heavy linear abrasions from cleaning. Common decorations for this maker included gadroon borders or chased floral motifs on the topside (not visible).
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'TB & S' initials in Gothic/Old English shield cartouches are the maker's mark for Thomas Bradbury & Sons. Includes 'MADE IN ENGLAND' and 'E.P. ON COPPER' stamps.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper base with electro-deposited silver. The stamps are die-struck into the metal. The visible '117...' scratched numbers are likely a jeweler's inventory or an old pawn/insurance mark.
Functional Features
Flat base for stability; likely part of a lidded tureen or a large gallery tray designed for heavy service and heat retention.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in the provided image of the base, but typically features soldered cast white-metal or copper handles that are also silver-plated.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The marks are well-aligned but the presence of the copper core indicates a mass-market production method rather than bespoke silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are consistent with known Bradbury pseudo-marks used for plated goods. The absence of the Lion Passant confirm it is not sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global hub for plated silver technology, first with fused Sheffield Plate and later with Electroplating.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (Post-1890). The 'Made in England' stamp became standard after the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 required country-of-origin markings for export.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900–1930. The style of the 'Made in England' block lettering and the specific TB&S mark configuration point to the late Victorian to Interwar period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine dining' in the early 20th century, where copper-core plated items offered the look of solid silver at a fraction of the cost.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching ('cleaning marks') and the silver layer appears thin, a condition known as 'bleeding' where the pinkish copper may begin to show through.
Value Estimate
$20 - $75 USD. Value is based on decorative utility and maker reputation rather than metal content, as silver plate has negligible scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very mild non-abrasive silver foam. Avoid heavy polishing, as the silver layer on 'plated on copper' items is thin and can be easily rubbed away to reveal the copper base.
Similar Pieces
Atkin Brothers EPNS, Walker & Hall Silver Plate, or Elkington & Co. Electroplate. These differ primarily in the specific maker's marks and the thickness of the silver deposit.
Interesting Facts
Thomas Bradbury & Sons actually survived for nearly 200 years before their dies were eventually sold to Atkin Brothers and later Gallimore. They were famous for publishing a history of Old Sheffield Plate in 1912.