Viking Plate Silver Electroplate Lead Hollowware, Model 807
Hollowware (likely a candlestick, bowl base, or compote component) · Lipman-Levinter Industries (Toronto, Canada). Viking Plate was their primary brand, known for producing mid-market silver-plated goods for Canadian households during the 20th century.
Pattern: Viking Plate Standard Line, Model 807; production status is discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (likely a candlestick, bowl base, or compote component)
Maker
Lipman-Levinter Industries (Toronto, Canada). Viking Plate was their primary brand, known for producing mid-market silver-plated goods for Canadian households during the 20th century.
Material
Silver Plate over base metal. The 'E.P. LEAD' mark indicates Electroplated on lead or contains lead mounts/weighted components for stability. No solid sterling silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of base 8-12 cm; weight is typically heavy due to the lead content used for weighting and stabilization.
Description
This is the underside of a Canadian-made Viking Plate hollowware item. It represents the utilitarian side of mid-century domestic silver, utilizing electroplating technology to provide an affordable silver aesthetic for the middle class. The heavy stamping and industrial finish on the base contrast with the likely polished exterior surfaces designed for display.
Key Features
The 'E.P. LEAD' stamp is a primary identifier, indicating an electroplating process onto lead or lead-weighted components, which provides significant heft.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over base metal. The 'E.P. LEAD' mark indicates Electroplated on lead or contains lead mounts/weighted components for stability. No solid sterling silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut electroplated silver finish with heavy mechanical brushing/polishing marks visible on the underside. Underside is undecorated, focusing on industrial stamping.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'VIKING PLATE', '807' (design number), 'E.P. LEAD' (Electroplate note), and 'MADE IN CANADA'. These are commercial manufacturing stamps rather than traditional assay hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck base metal with an electroplated silver layer. The center shows a solder or physical attachment point where the stem or vessel body was joined.
Functional Features
Weighted base designed to prevent tipping; the central indentation suggests it supported a vertical column or a vessel body.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles visible in this view; likely a pedestal-style grip or stationary base.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-made quality. The stamps are unevenly struck, and the surface shows factory-grade finishing rather than hand-burnishing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'MADE IN CANADA' and 'VIKING PLATE' stamps are consistent with known Lipman-Levinter factory markings from the mid-20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Canada, specifically Toronto, where Lipman-Levinter and the Viking Plate brand were based.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940s-1960s). This period saw a boom in Canadian mass-produced silver plate for the domestic market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950, based on the typography of the stamps and the 'E.P. LEAD' designation commonly found on mid-century Canadian plate.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' in post-war Canada, allowing families to own formal-looking tea sets and serving pieces without the expense of sterling.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy scratches, surface tarnish, and wear to the plating on the high points of the letters. Evidence of oxidation at the central join point.
Value Estimate
Low market value ($5 - $20 USD). This is a mass-produced plated item with no precious metal melt value; value is purely decorative or sentimental.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Use non-abrasive silver cream only when necessary; excessive polishing will eventually wear through the silver layer to the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate (higher quality), Marlboro Plate (competitor), or English Sheffield Plate (historical antecedent).
Interesting Facts
Viking Plate is one of the most common marks found in Canadian antique shops today, as it was a staple wedding gift for Canadian couples for several decades.