Spoon Hallmark Help Please.

[PSE14]

This spoon looks hallmarked, but I don't understand what the markings mean and I'm not even sure what type of spoon this is. I also can't see a lion...is this silver or ?


http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... spoon1.jpg

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q62 ... n1back.jpg


I appreciate any advice you are able to give!

Many thanks :)

[oel]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum.

To me a sugar spoon not solid silver but electroplated.

Electroplated 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.

If you should take some time to Google E.P.N.S you will find most of your answers.

Oel