EPNS Dishes

[GillianF]

I've been taking photographs of 'heirlooms' and creating documents for each family line with the photograph and explanation of what the item is, where it came from etc.

From my father-in-law's maternal side I have two silver coloured (very tarnished) serving dishes.  They have no marks in terms of hallmark etc.  There are also two round dishes which may have been fruit bowls or similar and they are marked 'EPNS' on the bottom with a number.

My mother-in-law gave us these dishes with the remark "These are only silver plate.  The real silver ones have been given to our daughter."

Does anyone know if it is possible to identify the marks on the bottom to provide a bit of history, date?

My father-in-law's mother was said to have been an antiques dealer but I have only found evidence of her having a furniture shop although she did own several large houses in South London in the 1930s, '40s and early '50s which she rented out to lodgers so I'm assuming she was comfortable financially.

Thanks for any advice/help you can offer.

[aghadowey]

Not sure if this will help-
https://www.silvercollection.it/electroplatesilver.html
https://www.silvercollection.it/dictionarydecryptingsilverplatemarks.html

[GillianF]

Thank you.  I did look at both these sites but they didn't seem to be much help comparing the marks I have on two of the bowls.

I tried to take a photo but it is difficult to get a good one.  The marks seem to be the letters EPNS in squares with five digits below.  A little symbol which separates EP and NS is a three leaf clover with a little five pointed star in each leaf.  'Made in England' is below.

[aghadowey]

Go to this site- https://www.silvercollection.it/dictionarydecryptingsilverplatemarks.html

Scroll down to Figural Trade Marks on British Silver Plate-
https://www.silvercollection.it/dictionarydecryptingsilverplatemarks.html

The scroll down to Barker Brothers (Birmingham) and see if their 3 leaf clover with 5 pointed start are a match.
https://www.silvercollection.it/electroplatesilverB.html#BARKER

[GillianF]

Fantastic.  I’ll do that tomorrow.

[GillianF]

I have followed the links and am happy that the Barker Brothers clover leaf with stars is the same as I have on my dishes.  Thank you very much!

[aghadowey]

That's good. Now for part 2 of your search. Google "barker bros birmingham epns dish" then click on 'images' to see if you can find your dish or something very similar.

[GillianF]

An interesting array of dishes but nothing quite like my dish.  Similar dishes seem to be marked as Victorian.  Thank you.