Is this genuine c1810 Old Sheffield Plate?

British Silver What's it worth?
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Hello… I’m new to this interesting forum! I also just purchased this old coffee pot and was told it is c1810 Sheffield Silver Plate on copper. Unfortunately there are no markings at all to help identify it, except ‘038349’ scratched on the underside.

It does appear genuinely old and copper is showing where the plating has worn away.

Does anybody know who the maker was… could it really be c1810… and what is the value of this classic coffee pot??

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Hello, if there is no manufacturer’s marking, it is unlikely that you will be able to indicate who made it, especially because in the past it was very common for a company to use the design created by another. Regarding the material, it is certainly copper with a silver plated finish.

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Old Sheffield Plate (OSP) comprises a base metal, normally copper, with a thin sheet of silver heat-fused to it. This can then be worked like silver. OSP makers normally stamped their mark on their creations so the lack of a manufacturer’s mark points towards more modern electroplate. You can confirm whether it is OSP by looking at an exposed edge (the foot looks like a good place to check). If it is OSP you will be able to see relatively clearly the two layers of metal.

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Thank you for your insights… I knew this is going to be a tough one to try and solve!

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Thanks Phil… looking for the 2 distinct layers is a great tip! Sadly this does not appear to be OSP. Do you have any thoughts on its actual age or which makers didn’t always stamp their products??

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Hello again… having now cleaned the surface (bicarb + foil method), I can now clearly see silver sheet wrapped around the edges and parts that are missing. Does this now confirm it really is Old Sheffield Plating and not EP?

And although worn and missing some plating, what kind of valuation would you place on this item?

Your expert eye and insights would be very much appreciated!

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That definitely looks like OSP.

I wouldn’t feel happy about suggesting a value; I believe it needs an expert eye to take into account the effects of the plating loss you mention.

Incidentally the bicarb and foil cleaning method is not recommended as it is potentially too abrasive.

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Thank you, Phil… much appreciated!

I’d been led to believe the bicarb/foil method of removing tarnish was the lesser of the cleaning evils?

Can you please let me know your preferred method to revive dirty/tarnished silver??

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Good quality silver polish is the recommended treatment.