E.p.s.n.

[john1066]

Hi guys...I have a rather heavy silver salver which was thrown away by an old lady whilst I was on the dustcarts. She said "it kept turning brown". so I decided to take it home. Well you would woudn't you? It is hallmarked and underneath the hallmark are the letters E.P.S.N..I've had it several years. Is it worth anything? xx.

[bookbinder]

Are you sure about the letters? If they are actually E.P.N.S. that means electro plated nickel silver. I'm no expert, but I doubt if it will bring in much money at an auction.

[SIRandyraven]

EPSN = Electro Plated Silver Nickel...

Sorry ...But not worth anything ...even in scrap value

[john1066]

Thanks people for your answers. The initials are in fact EPNS. The offending article is now in the "blue bin" awaiting collection......x

[stewey]

Unless it has some significant historical value, and you have the provenance to back this up, I agree with the above. However, cleaned up nice and shiny it might be an attractive piece.

[stewey]

Depending upon it size and shape you could, if you are so inclined, make an interesting looking clock out of it.

[aelmpvw]

i think she was a very astute old lady ...

[janzman]

>>it kept turning brown.....It is hallmarked and underneath the hallmark are the letters E.P.S.N (sic).....

[DJHawkes]

the hallmark is probably just the manufacturer's initials made to look like a hallmark, a marketing ploy .

[stewey]

Don't scoff at a piece merely because it is stamped "EPNS". The process of manufacturing these items began in the mid to late 19thC. It is entirely possible for some of them, as I alluded to above, to have some historical value; however, how you go about proving this beats me.

[shoota]

I'll bet the local charity shop would be glad of it.
Might fetch a fiver...

[stewey]

I still say that it might make an interesting clock, that is if john1066 has the time:)

[Barmaid]

Before you chuck it, have a looksee to work out who the maker is. Some EPNS is worth a bit, depending on who the maker is.....

[DJHawkes]

http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_E.html

[tonyav]

Wonder if it's Elkington.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=elkington+plate&hl=en-GB&rlz=1T4GGNI_en-GBGB494GB494&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XHkSUrbrDar40gWtiIHwDQ&;ved=0CEQQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=731

[Nibble]

If you don't want it, for goodness sake don't throw it in the bin - give it to your local charity shop, there's a market for stuff like that!

[DJHawkes]

the teaspoon my mum was given at school in 1936 for the jubilee was elkington plate

[tonyav]

They are quite famous for their EPNS dot.

[stewey]

Yes, all of the original reputable makers of these items had registered maker marks, not to be confused with hallmarks. Hallmarks signify sterling silver content, and I believe that in the UK this means 92.5% silver content.

[Barmaid]

It does Stewey AFTER 1720.