Victorian Silverware Appraisal

Bristol Silver Electro-Plated Item

The item appears to be a piece of silverware, specifically indicating 'BRISTOL SILVER' and 'EP' (likely 'Electro-Plated' or 'European Plate') alongside the numbers '73 22'. This suggests that the item is silver-plated rather than solid silver. The surface exhibits a significant amount of tarnish and oxidation, presenting a dark, mottled brown and greyish-green patina across its metallic surface. There are numerous fine scratches and scuffs visible, consistent with wear and prolonged use, indicating its age and history. The overall texture is somewhat uneven due to the tarnish and surface abrasions, suggesting a non-smooth or possibly hammered finish beneath the tarnish or simply the effect of heavy wear. No specific shape or design elements beyond the maker's mark and numbers can be discerned from the image, as it focuses solely on this marked area. The quality of the plating or underlying metal cannot be assessed visually without further cleaning or inspection. The visible condition suggests it has not been recently cleaned or polished, allowing for the natural aging process to occur. Without seeing the full item, it's difficult to ascertain its exact function (e.g., tray, bowl, flatware handle), but the flat, wide appearance could indicate a tray or serving dish. The 'EP BRISTOL SILVER' mark points to a manufacturer or line of silver-plated goods, possibly from the early to mid-20th century, with the numbers '73 22' potentially referring to a pattern number, date code, or inventory number. The craftsmanship appears mass-produced, typical for electroplated items of that era.