Silver-Plated Set

Silver-plated sugar bowl and creamer set on claw feet, marked 'silver on copper'.

The markings 'silver on copper' indicate that the base metal is copper, which has been electroplated with a layer of silver. This method was widely adopted in the 19th century, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish that mimicked solid silver at a fraction of the cost. The presence of a crown and shield, often accompanied by letters like 'S', are typical hallmarks used by various manufacturers to denote the quality of their silver plating and to authenticate their products. These hallmarks can sometimes help in identifying the specific maker and the era of production. For instance, certain shield designs or crown variations were associated with particular companies or periods. The combination of these elements on the pieces suggests they were produced by a reputable company aiming to assure customers of the quality and composition of their silver-plated wares, likely for the domestic market or export.