If the exposed base metal is a pale yellow, then the item is EPNS. If you see a chestnut color, then youre holding a piece of Sheffield plate, which is likely to be somewhat more collectible than EPNS, although not as sought after as solid silver.

How do you identify Sheffield silver?

Since Old Sheffield Plate is made like a sandwich with silver being the bread and copper being the filling, look to the edges for clues. If when you turn over a piece, there is a thread-like silver protuberance on the underside of the edge, then it is Old Sheffield Plate (see Figure 4).

How do you tell a Sheffield plate?

Three ways to identify Old Sheffield Plate: Closely examine the edges of the upper rim and the base. On these pieces, any applied border, handles or feet will usually have a seam. This means a layer of silver has been lapped over or “sandwiched” and therefore a piece you can correctly label as Old Sheffield Plate.

Is all Sheffield silver plated?

Sheffield plate is a layered combination of silver and copper that was used for many years to produce a wide range of household articles. Almost every article made in sterling silver was also crafted by Sheffield makers, who used this manufacturing process to produce nearly identical wares at far less cost.

Is Sheffield silver worth anything?

Today, like sterling silver and pewter collectibles, Sheffield silver plate remains popular with collectors. Values range widely with some pieces commanding several thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Marks of prominent makers are visible on pieces of Sheffield silver plate.

What is the difference between silverplate and Epns?

Silver-Plated or Electroplated items are made out of metal, usually nickel or copper, which are then electrically silver plated by using electricity, a potassium cyanide solution and two electrodes. Many silver plated items bear the marks EPNS that stand for Electro Plated Nickel Silver or EP for Electro Plate.

How can you tell if something is pure silver?

Pure silver makes a strong ringing sound when rubbed against each other so one of the best ways to identify the purity of silver is by rubbing them with another metal or another silver item. If you have a coin and you drop it on a flat surface, it should make a sound like a ringing bell.

What is the number stamped on silver?

Authentication Hallmarks International sellers of silver will stamp silver as 925, 900 or 800. These numbers indicate the level of purity of the silver. Sterling silver has a purity of 92.5 percent or higher.

Is Sheffield silver company still in business?

This business was discontinued in 1971. Here at AC Silver we are proud to present a wide range of Sheffield silver, including fine and impressive pieces from all of the aforementioned celebrated silversmiths.

What does Epns stand for on a spoon?

Electroplated nickel silver EPNS: Electroplated nickel silver, commonly known as EPNS, is an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc thats covered with a layer of pure silver in an electrochemical process.

Is Epns the same as silver plate?

Silver-Plate is frequently referred to as Sheffield Plate as thousands of silver-plated items have Sheffield stamped on their bases. Many silver plated items bear the marks EPNS that stand for Electro Plated Nickel Silver or EP for Electro Plate.

Is it safe to use Epns cutlery?

Almost all cutlery used in foodservice is made from stainless steel, even if it is finally plated with electro-plated nickel silver (EPNS). The advantage of 18/10 cutlery is that it is a hard material which is resistant to scratching and very dishwasher safe.