when is silverplate engraved?

[DianaGaleM]

I was just in a forum (not here) where someone asserted that silver plated flatware is engraved (with initials or monogram) before the pieces are plated. From both the manufacturer's and the retailer's perspective, this seems absurd to me.

The assertion was made regarding a piece of flatware alleged to belong to a famous individual. The writer said it had to be phony because the engraving was done after the piece was silver plated. I agree that the piece is phony, but not for that reason.

[JLDoggett]

The standard process would be to engrave after plating. Some item, such as huge-run flatware for corporate clients, may have monogramming or corporate logo as part of the dies with which they are made or as a specialty stamping before plating. But this is rare and very obvious by the width of the strokes and depth; also by the plating being inside the ornament.

It would be impractical to custom engrave a one-off monogram prior to plating.

[DianaGaleM]

That certainly makes sense to me.

[AG2012]

Hi,

JLDoggett
It would be impractical to custom engrave a one-off monogram prior to plating.

That makes perfect sense, no doubt about it.
On the other hand, this is an interesting question if referring to the thickness of silver plating. The thickest layer of electroplated silver is 0.032 mm, about the same as the thinnest human hair. Meaning, engraving would certainly penetrate into base metal. With regular use and cleaning, slightly different color of oxidation may not be too obvious. Owners did not care much; they bought cheaper silver plate and used it.
What happens if neglected for some time?
The example is given here, after cleaning the base metal is clearly visible.
Regards

[DianaGaleM]

Would this be a good reason to prefer alpacca as a base metal over brass? It would be harder to tell you were down to base metal.

[AG2012]

It does make sense; electroplated nickel silver. It`s almost indistinguishable unless acid tested.