Vintage silver plate bud vase possibly by Iathe? Decorative.  Although it does not have a lot of age, it is still very decorative and reflected in the price.
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14 cm tall 6 cm round at base.
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Some age related wear.
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Silver plate is a process of coating a base metal with a thin layer of silver, has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. Initially, it involved a fusion process called Old Sheffield Plate, where silver was bonded to copper. Later, electroplating revolutionized the process, making silver plating more accessible and widely adopted, particularly in the 19th century.
Early Silver Plating (Old Sheffield Plate):
1742:
Thomas Boulsover, a Sheffield cutler, accidentally discovered that silver and copper could be fused together when molten silver spilled onto a copper knife handle.
1743:
Boulsover started producing silver-plated buttons, which were convincing alternatives to solid silver and much cheaper.
Old Sheffield Plate:
This early form involved fusing sheets of silver to a copper base, creating a durable and visually appealing alternative to solid silver.
Limitations:
While popular, Old Sheffield Plate had limitations, particularly in areas subject to heavy wear like spoons and forks.
Marks and Hallmarks:
Early Sheffield plate items were sometimes marked with symbols resembling hallmarks used on sterling silver. However, injunctions were filed, and Sheffield platers were eventually allowed to use marks indicating the maker and a distinctive device.
Electroplating Revolution:
1840s:
The invention of electroplating, particularly by Elkington & Co., allowed for a more even and controlled application of silver onto various base metals, including nickel silver.
EPNS:
Electro-plated nickel silver (EPNS) became a popular material for silver-plated cutlery and other items due to its strength and bright finish.
Accessibility:
Electroplating made silver plating more accessible to a wider market, leading to its widespread use in tableware, decorative items, and even costume jewelry.
Victorian Era:
The Victorian era saw a surge in the popularity of silver-plated items, with elaborate designs, motifs, and even tinted and etched glass accents.
Distinguishing Silver Plate from Solid Silver:
Hallmarks:
Solid silver items typically bear hallmarks, including a silver standard mark, a town mark, a date letter, and a maker's mark.
Edges:
Early silver plate, particularly Old Sheffield Plate, may show the base metal at the edges or where the silver plating has been folded over.
Luster and Appearance:
Solid silver often has a distinct luster, while silver plate can appear duller or have a slightly different sheen