Electro Plated Nickel Silver

The process of electroplating developed in the 1840's and simpley binds a fine layer of silver to the base metal. Again getting an accurate date is not really possible as there are no date letters stamped on the pieces. EPNS or electroplated silver can be identified as it is usually stamped as such, although some times there are no marks.

The letters EPNS stand for electroplated nickle silver, and EPNS is the most common stamp found on electroplated silver, but there are many others. Collecting EPNS is can be both inexpensive and rewarding, due to the huge variety of pieces avalible from the 1840's to the present day. You can chose to collect, a type of item: candlesticks, ashtrays, baskets, cutlery, or a style' Art Deco or Art Nouveau EPNS pieces are wondeful and relatively inexpensive. Equally, electroplated silver pieces produced by quality silver smiths are highly sought after and command high prices, these can be identified from the makers mark.

Tableware specialises in handcraft quality tableware in sterling silver, espns (electro plated nickel silver) ESPN 10% blank comprises 60% Copper, 30% Zinc and 10% Nickel, this gives maximum strength and durability.
S.R Tablewares Cutlery has a minimum thickness of silver between 20-35 microns, tableware can be bought with less silver deposit wear calculated at a micron a year average (20 micron= 20 years). At S.R Tableware only the finest quality tableware, handcrafted with care and precision is produced with a minimum thickness of 20 microns.

Sterling Silver:- Our Sterling Silver (the very finest) has 925 parts purity out of 1000, the remaining alloy contains metal such as copper to make it malleable.