This butter or cheese knife is a decorative example of electroplated cutlery that had become an affordable alternative to more expensive silver cutlery in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The knife has stamp marks in the back of its handle that are a combination of letters and symbols used by British silversmiths to identify their workmanship. The design and type of this knife was not normally used by everyday people but rather those of a higher social class with time and money to have a particular decorative knife to serve butter or cheese. The marks on the handle tell that it was made of nickel silver, and electroplated with superior quality Stirling silver. The Barker Brothers of Birmingham made the knife between 1885 and 1907, but most likely before 1895. It was made for the British, or British colonial, people, connected with a government department such as the navy or defence. This story may be slightly inaccurate, as some silversmiths added extra ‘pseudo marks’ to their wares to disguise the quality. THE MARKS and their meaning – - ‘A1’ The silver used in electroplating this knife was the highest level, ‘superior quality’, measured in grams of silver per table spoon or table fork, with ‘A1’ being 2 2/3 grams, and ‘D’ being 0 1/2 grams of silver. - ‘BB’ The Baker Brothers used these initials from 1885 to 1907. - ‘[crown symbol]’ – This symbol is used for Sterling silver but this knife is a metal alloy. The crown is also the town mark of Sheffield (appointed by the Sheffield Assay Office) but this knife was made in Birmingham, which has the town mark of an anchor. The Barker Brothers may have added the crown mark to this electroplated silverware as a ‘pseudo hallmark’, leading the buyer to think that it was actual Sterling silver. The use of pseudo hallmarks by electroplaters of the Victorian era was common practice but it was illegal. In 1895 the unlawful practice was seen as imitating the Sheffield Silver Mark and the law was firmly applied to eradicate the deception, so items with this mark probably date before 1895. - [EPNS] Electro Plated Nickel Silver, called nickel silver or German silver, is a metal alloy that usually combines copper, nickel and zinc (60 percent copper, 20 percent nickel, 20 percent zinc). It has a silver-white appearance and is sometimes referred to as ‘white ware’. It does not contain any silver but is often used as a base for electroplating, when the item is covered with a thin layer of silver to give it the polished appearance of pure silver. It became popular in the late 19th and early 20th century as an affordable substitute for sterling silver. - Broad Arrow - an official stamp that indicates it was once the property of Britain government, either in Britain or one of its colonies, and used in the defence force. In Great Britain, from an 1875 government act, it was, and still, is a crime to forge or wrongfully use, the broad arrow symbol. The BARKER BROTHERS of Birmingham - Barker Brothers were one of the earlies firms of Birmingham silversmiths, established in 1801 by Mary Barker. They became Barker & Creed, then William and Matthias Barker, then from 1885 they were the Barker Brothers. They were operating in Paradise Street in 1871 until in 1903 they moved to Unity Works, Constitution Hill, in Birmingham. The firm also had a showroom at 292 High Holborn, London, from the early 1900s to the 1980s. In 1907 the firm became Barker Brothers Silversmiths Ltd, then in the 1960s they merged with Ellis & Co, becoming Barker Ellis Silver Co. Ltd. In 1979 they were registered in USA as Ellis & Co., Barker Ellis, and Ellis Barker. The business went into administration in 1992, after almost 200 years of production. The firm advertised as specialists in electroplating, and used the trademarks BRITANOID, UNITY PLATE and THE HYGENIA.This knife is historically significant, dated from 1885 to 1907 but most likely pre-1895, and made by the longstanding Birmingham silversmiths, the Barker Brothers, established in 1801. The knife is an example of decorative flatware used by people of ’class’. It also has the broad arrow stamp, connecting it to the British government, in particular the ordinance department. The stamp also connects it to other items in our collection with that stamp. It may have been connected to pre-Federation government organisations and officials such as the army Garrison, government naval vessel, police, lighthouse keepers, harbour masters. The knife is the only example of its kind in our collection, being a decorative silver butter or cheese knife, made by the Barker Brothers of Birmingham. Butter knife, or cheese knife, electroplated nickel silver (EPNS). Upper blade edge has decorative shape and engraved motifs, lower blade edge is bevelled to a cutting edge, and narrow plain handle flares out to a wide, rounded end. Maker’s marks are stamped on the reverse. Made by Barker Brothers of Birmingham in the late-19th century. Stamps: “flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, butter knife, cheese knife, electroplate, electro plate, nickel silver, nickel alloy, alloy composition, copper nickel zinc, german silver, epns, barker brothers, birmingham, london, silversmiths, victorian era, 19th century, a1, bb, crown inside square, broad arrow, flatware, tableware, cutlery, cutler, dining utensils, eating utensils, superior quality, pseudo hallmark, stirling silver, silver-white metal, mary barker, barker & creed, william barker, matthias barker, barker brothers silversmiths, barker ellis silver co, ellis & co, barker ellis, ellis barker, britanoid, unity plate, the hygenia, british, colonial, government use, defence department use, naval use, knife, serving knife

A shallow silver dish with scalloped edges. It has handles on each side. The handle is broken and has a bakelite insert.Base - A1 inside a circle EPNS A Phoenix PRODUCTsilverware tableware dish phoenix

Ethel Locke (nee Powell), daughter of Selena Jane And Henry James Powell, was awarded this set of teaspoons at an Orbost Show.This set of silver-plated spoons has aesthetic significance as well as being representative of trophies awarded at an early Orbost Show.A blue/grey leather like case which is padded inside and has a push in catch. It contains 6 silver-plated teaspoons and a pair of tongs.Back of spoon handles - R P 727517 EPNScutlery-spoons pringle-robert silverware powell-family

Gold plate on silver plated EPNS kite shaped commemorative trowel with a turned wooden handle with an engraved inscription. The trowel is in a blue cardboard box."Presented to Mrs Richard Lord on the occasion of her laying the foundation stone of the "Youth Welfare" building at Barkers Road Methodist Church. Nov. 9th 1935"mrs richard lord, barkers rd methodist church

An enamelled badge with a flapping bird above a circular target of white black blue and red concentric circles with a brass bow superimposed on it and enclosed by Kew City Bowmen with 2 crossed arrows below, on a violet blue background mounted on the handle of a butter knifeKew City Bowmen (front) Pitcher epns A1 (reverse)kew city bowmen

An enamelled badge with a flapping bird above a circular target of white black blue and red concentric circles with a brass bow superimposed on it and enclosed by Kew City Bowmen with two crossed arrows below, on a violet blue background mounted on the handle of a spoon Kew City Bowmen (front) Pitcher epns A1 (reverse)kew city bowmen, souvenirs - spoons

This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Mr. Turner was born on 6 June 1885. He completed all of his schooling at Scotts Boarding School in Albury, New South Wales. On leaving school, he was employed at Dalgety’s, Albury as an auctioneer. In 1924 John was promoted to Manager of the Wodonga Branch of Dalgety’s. On 15/03/1900 he married Beatrice Neal (born 7/12/1887 and died 7/2/1953) from Collingwood, Victoria. They had 4 daughters – Francis (Nancy), Heather, Jessie and Mary. In 1920, the family moved From Albury to Wodonga, purchasing their family home “Locherbie” at 169 High Street, Wodonga. "Locherbie" still stands in Wodonga in 2022. The collection contains items used by the Turner family during their life in Wodonga.This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. A 5 piece manicure set in a cylindrical container. Individuals items are made of steel, electro plated silver with tortoise shell handles. The case is also made of tortoiseshell.On side of tweezers; "EPNS A1" On file "ENGLISH STEEL MAKE"personal items, manicure implements

Set of 5 with catalogue no 0455, 0518, 0535, 0536. 3 stem, silver EPNS candelabra. Floral design around base and candle holders. Curved branches.Made in England Made in England by Ianthe of England On base: C31On candle holders: C34candelabra, mess

Set of 5 with catalogue no 0455, 0518, 0534, 0536. 3 stem, silver EPNS candelabra with curved branches, floral pattern around base and candle holders.Presented by Capt T J Douch Training Officer 1986-87. Made in England IANTHEcandelabrs, officers mess

Set of 5 with catalogue no 0455, 0518, 0534, 0535. 3 stem, silver EPNS candelabra, curved branches, floral pattern around base & candle holders.Made in England Anthea Presented to 4/19 PWLH Officers Mess by Capt A G Bullockcandelabra, officers' mess

EPNS House Challenge cup with separate wooden base which has a silver collar engraved with the names and dates of the winners. The front bears an engraving of the school's crest.Front: "Stratherne P.G.G.S. Presented by Mrs F.W.Seekamp" "House Challenge Cup" Back: "Dare House" "Patterson House" "Davidson House"stratherne presbyterian girls' school hawthorn, stratherne presbyterian girls' grammar school hawthorn, school awards, trophies

J.D. (Jack) Skinner of Chapple Vale was the founder of the Otway Tennis Association. He became President and was later awarded Life Membership of the Association. He recognised the need for an award for junior tennis and instituted this trophy to be awarded from 1962.J.D. Skinner Tennis Trophy, Otway Junior Association. Pitcher-shaped EPNS on top, bakelite bottom, seven shields inscribed with names of winning teams 1962-1988.1962-63 Wyelangta 1963-64 Ferguson 1964-65 Wyelangta 1965-66 Wyelangta 1971-72 Carlisle River 1972-73 Beech Forest 1973-74 Beech Forest 1974-75 Wyelangta 1975-76 Wyelangta 1976-77 Lavers Hill 1977-78 Carlisle River 1979-80 Lavers Hill 1980-81 Lavers Hill 1981-82 Carlisle River 1982-83 Wyelangta 1983-84 Ferguson 1984-85 Wyelangta 1985-86 Wyelangta 1986-87 Johanna White 1987-88 Fergusonj.d. skinner; tennis; trophy; otway junior association;

Australian metalware manufacturer, Phoenix Pty Ltd, made this electroplated nickel silverfruit stand as part of its new 'Imperial' range of tableware. The simple, geometric design is representative of the Art Deco style This simple design with the geometric pattern is representative of the Art Deco style that spread through Australia in the inter-war period and was common in both local and imported electroplated wares. A silver plated fruit stand in an art deco design. The bowl has cut out rectangular designs around its edge.On base - letter H inside a circle Imperial EPNS A Phoenix producttableware fruit-stand phoenix epns domestic

AAOC (Aust Army Ordnance Corp) Trophy probably awarded for a marksmanship competitionTrophy, silver, consists of round base with 3 crossed rifles facing upwards & a cup attached. The cup is engraved.AAOC Won by S.SGT W A BRIGHAM 1935-36” “LEWBURY EPNS”military history - army, military history - trophies

Manufactured by K. G. Luke Pty Ltd.In 1921 Kenneth Luke became a partner in a small metal-spinning and silverware business at Carlton. By 1925 he was its proprietor and an employer of seven. These employees were still with him thirty years later, with 650 others, making an ever-increasing range of products: silverware, stainless steel surgical equipment, plated goods and glass-washing machines. In 1929 he bought a larger factory in Queen's Parade, Fitzroy (since redeveloped), doubled his staff and introduced new lines. At the outbreak of World War 2 production was again stepped up and Luke became an honorary adviser to the Department of Supply and Shipping. Luke went on to achieve many major public roles. In 1938-55 he was president of the Carlton Football Club. A delegate (from 1935) to the Victorian Football League, he was its vice president (1946-55) and president (1956-71). With post-war growth generating record crowds, he consolidated central administration and professionalised the game for players.A Silver Plated Vase manufactured by K.G. Luke Pty Ltd.A1 - Paramount Plate - Best EPNS Quality Plate 4001-0paramount, k. g. luke pty ltd

The cartridges cases are stamped, .1) 1941, .2) 1943. The items relate to A.G BINGHAM VX75707 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 37 for his service details..1) & .2) Trench art cheese and butter knives made from ammunition cases as souvenirs. Blades are aluminium and have been electroplated (EPNS) Both are hand engraved on the blades. .1) "New Guinea 1944, I go to return" .2) "New guinea 1944, 2/nd Aust ..." (3 letters unclear)trench art, new guinea, souvenirs

Silver MATCH BOX HOLDER with red imprinted word 'Matches ' across the front / EPNS Made in England stamped on side / contains empty Bryant & May wooden match box.personal effects, smoking accessories

This is a souvenir jam spoon which would have been given or sold to Warrnambool Bowling Club members and visitors to Warrnambool. The game of lawn bowls was first played in Warrnambool in 1868 but the present day Warrnambool Bowls Club was founded in 1890, with a bowling green in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. Today the club has its facilities in Kelp Street Warrnambool and its logo features a Warrnambool lighthouse.This spoon is a memento of the Warrnambool Bowls Club and shows the type of souvenir popular with members and tourists some 40 or 50 years ago. This is an electro-plated nickel silver jam spoon. It has a coloured metal piece welded into the top of the spoon. This has been enamelled in blue, white and silver and has an image of a lighthouse and some printing. There are also some markings on the back of the spoon. The spoon is in a cream-coloured cardboard box which is rectangular-shaped. Spoon: Warrnambool Bowling Club Pitcher EPNS A1 Box: Pitcher Fine Silverware warrnambool bowls club, history of warrnambool

Derwent Jacks became Springdallah and the church was closed in 2019 after over a century. The church had not been in regular use for 40 years. This chalice is inscribed in the old district name of Derwent Jacks and is therefore a rare survivor of the gold rush era in what is today a rural area. It carries the retailers mark of Pelligrini a Melbourne firm of jewellers and silversmiths who supplied much church plate to the Catholic church in Victoria.This chalice is significant in its inscription denoting its use for the church community at Derwent Jacks which became know later as Springdallah, the original name no longer in use.St Patrick's Derwent Jacks inscribed to foot. Pelligrini, EPNS stamped to undeside of base.springdallah, derwent jacks, pelligrini, chalice.

Benola Singers Collection, EPNS serving tray with decorated scalloped edge and heavily decorated centre, engraved Bendigo Competitions 1958 1st Prize Ladies Choir won by Benola Singers presented by Dunklings The Jewellers.Hecworth Reproduction Old Sheffieldtrophies & awards, public events, music

BHS CollectionTea strainer souvenir of Toowoomba crest on handle. Star shaped pattern in bowl of strainer, marked out with the holes of the strainer. Ridged pattern on each end- bowl of strainer in the centre. Probably EPNS, but no marking visible.PITCHER MELBephemera, mementoes, tea strainer

Ingersoll eclipse pocket watch and fob chain EPNS case and chain, black numerals with gold dots with separate second hand at bottom. Label inside reads Robt.H.Ingersoll & Bro makers Ely place London 15.5.15Made in USA Ingersoll Eclipsehorology, watches

Otway Tennis Assn, B Section, tennis trophy. Cup-shaped EPNS with handles, bakelite base, with one rectangular plate and three shield plates with the names of winning teams from 1963 until 1991/92.;1963 Beech Forest 1964 Ferguson 1975 Beech Forest 1976 Beech Forest 1977 Beech Forest 1980 Carlisle River 1981 Carlisle River 1982 Lavers Hill 1982/83 Carlisle River 1983/84 Ferguson 1984/85 Lavers Hill 1985/86 Carlisle River 1986/87 Wyelangta 1987/88 Carlisle River 1990/91 Lavers Hill Green 1991/92 Weeaproinahtennis; trophy; otway tennis association;

2 EPNS Egg cups on trays with handles, edged with bow pattern. Egg cups engraved Doreen Xmas 1916 & Jean Xmas 1916. Marked G6557 A.Saunders Sydney U&A E.P.N.S Made in England Rd533793U&A Made in Englanddomestic equipment, table setting, egg cups

Benola Singers collection, trophy won by The Benola Singers, EPNS Candelabra with 3 candle holders, liquorice twist arms, circular base with decoration and a fluted column. Engraved Bendigo Competitions 1963 First Prize Benola Singers.Rose Plate E.P.N.S. A1trophies & awards, public events, music