What does Epns mean on silver?
electro-plated nickel silver
Nickel silver first became popular as a base metal for silver-plated cutlery and other silverware, notably the electroplated wares called EPNS (electro-plated nickel silver). It is used in zippers, good quality keys, costume jewellery, for making musical instruments (e.g., flutes, clarinets).
Is Epns sterling 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.
How do you clean tarnished Epns?
- 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.
- Drain the soapy water from the sink.
What can you do with old silverplate pieces?
To cash in on your scrap silver plated items, you can easily sell them to your local scrap yard. Some scrap yards will be friendlier then others, so call ahead for pricing and to get a feeling for whether or not a yard seems understanding. Some scrap yards even have a special “silver plated scrap” price.
Is Epns silver safe to use?
Difficult question, I personally do not use EPNS items for drinking or eating, the thin silver layer coat could be worn or completely gone. People with nickel allergy should avoid direct contact with nickel. I believe using a silver plated tea set, once in a while, should not harm us but I would not advice using it.
What does Epns made in England mean?
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.
Is nickel plated silver worth anything?
Plated silver is metal that is actually covered in a very thin layer of silver. EP and EPNS are other markings that indicate plated silver. Given that nickel silver has no actual silver content, it is not worth anything to precious metal refiners. Unfortunately, there is nothing of value to extract.
What is “EPNs silver”?
What Does “EPNS Silver” Mean? The letters EPNS indicate that a piece of silver has been electroplated. In electroplating, a thin layer of liquid sliver is applied over the surface of an item made of a base metal. In EPNS silver, the base item is most often made of nickel.
Where can I find the EPNs marking on my item?
EPNS markings are usually found etched into the surface of the item on the bottom or the back.
What does it mean when a silver plate is marked?
A silverplate marking, sometimes incorporated into a manufacturer’s mark, indicates that the item was made by electroplating a base metal with a relatively thin coating of silver. When items are marked Quadruple Plate, this indicates four layers of silver were applied to the item over the base metal.
How do I care for my EPNs silver?
Always handle EPNS silver with care. The layers of silver coating the piece are thin and can be scratched or eroded away by energetic polishing. Most importantly, though, keep it tarnish free. Even if you don’t use your silver frequently, clean and polish it every three months to prevent airborne tarnish from sulphur in the atmosphere.
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