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Silver Plate for Sale

Our silver plate for sale includes antique and vintage pieces such as decanter labels, wine coasters and decorative items, most stamped EPNS or with other plate marks rather than a full silver hallmark. Browse current stock below for the full range. If you're looking for solid hallmarked silver instead, our Antique Silver range includes fully hallmarked pieces from Georgian to modern silversmiths.

More information

Silver Plate and How It Differs From Sterling Silver

Silver plate was invented by accident in Sheffield in 1742, when molten silver fused onto the copper handle of a knife, leading to Sheffield Plate, a technique that fused sheet silver onto copper by heat and rolling until around 1840.

Electroplating then took over, patented by Elkington & Co in 1840, coating a base metal such as brass or nickel with a thin layer of pure silver. Pieces from this later era are often stamped EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) or EPBM (electroplated Britannia metal).

Unlike sterling silver, plate carries no assay office mark or lion passant, since only the surface is silver rather than the whole piece, and once that layer wears through the base metal underneath will start to show. Stock includes pieces from both eras, so check each listing for its specific marks and condition.

FAQs

What is silver plate?
Silver plate is a base metal, such as brass, copper or nickel, coated with a layer of silver, rather than the solid silver used in sterling silver pieces.

What does EPNS mean?
EPNS stands for electroplated nickel silver, a common mark on silver plate made from the 1840s onwards using the electroplating process.

What is the difference between silver plate and Sheffield plate?
Sheffield plate is an earlier technique from the 1740s to around 1840, where sheet silver was fused onto copper by heat and rolling, while later silver plate uses electroplating instead.

Why is my silver plate showing a different colour metal underneath?
This happens when the silver layer has worn thin with age and use, revealing the base metal beneath. It's a normal sign of age on genuine antique and vintage plate.

Is silver plate hallmarked like sterling silver?
No, silver plate doesn't carry an assay office mark or lion passant. Instead, look for stamps such as EPNS, EP or a maker's mark.

What types of silver plate items do you sell?
Stock has included decanter labels, wine coasters and decorative pieces, among other antique and vintage items.

How do I check the condition of a silver plate item before buying?
Each listing includes photos and a description covering tarnishing, wear or any missing parts, since plating can thin with age and use, so you can review the specific item before ordering.

What affects the value of silver plate?
Value depends on factors such as maker, age, pattern, condition and the amount of wear to the plating, rather than the silver content itself, since only a thin surface layer is silver rather than the whole piece.

What is your shipping policy for silver plate?
We offer free UK shipping on orders over £50, calculated at checkout for orders under £50, and we ship worldwide.

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