What does Epns mean on my silver pieces?
What does Epns mean on my silver pieces?
Electroplated nickel silver
EPNS: Electroplated nickel silver, commonly known as “EPNS”, is an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc that’s covered with a layer of pure silver in an electrochemical process. Nickel’s resemblance to silver helps disguise any worn spots that develop over time.
Is Epns real silver?
EPNS silver isn’t 100 percent silver, but neither is sterling silver, which contains 92.5 percent silver. EPNS, electro plated nickel silver, is a process that lays a thin layer of silver alloy over a base of nickel, zinc and copper to give the piece the look of shining silver.
Is my silverplate worth anything?
Since there is only a small amount of silver on each item, there is no melting value for silverplate. Pieces that are more decorative, rare, and in good condition might sell for more money. Silverplate value is more about the antique market than it is about the metal market.
What does Made in England Epns mean?
In the UK and in USA silverware using this alloy were marked EPNS (or E.P.N.S), adopting the initials of Electro Plated Nickel Silver. Another material was an alloy based on tin and developed in various European countries. It was known under different names as Britannia Metal, Kayserzinn, Orivit, etc.
What is the best way to clean Epns?
Wash gently in warm water and a solution of washing up liquid being careful not to have the water too hot as silver is a delicate metal. Wash a few pieces of cutlery at a time. Avoid loading all cutlery in the sink at once.
How do you restore Epns cutlery?
How to Clean Electroplated Nickel & Silver
- Plug the sink and fill it with warm water.
- Add mild dish soap and wash the EPNS cutlery or utensils thoroughly.
- Run the EPNS through warm water to wash off the soap residue.
- Take the utensils or cutlery and dry them with paper towels or soft cloth kitchen towels.
What is the difference between silver-plated and Epns?
Silver-Plated or Electroplated items are made out of metal, usually nickel or copper, which are then electrically silver plated by using electricity, a potassium cyanide solution and two electrodes. Many silver plated items bear the marks ‘EPNS’ that stand for Electro Plated Nickel Silver or ‘EP’ for Electro Plate.
What do you do with old Epns?
You can donate them to a charity shop. You can sell them at a car boot sale or use a number of online platforms including Gumtree, Friday-Ad, Facebook selling pages and other online platforms. You can also give them away for free through Freegle.
