Tthe key letters “EP”, represent “electroplated” or “electroplating”. The other letters often represent some other metal. For example the most common designation, EPNS, means “electroplated nickel silver”. All these designations indicate that the piece in question is made of silver plate. Electroplating involves placing an extremely thin layer of silver on the surface of the piece. The resulting silver content is very small. The remainder of the piece is made of some more common metal such as copper. The value of such pieces most often is not based on silver content. It’s based more on the design and construction of the piece. The Surridge family were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA pair of silver plated salad servers with porcelain handlesE.P.N.S.early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, bentleigh, cheltenham, cutlery, silver plated cutlery, porcelain, mrs surridge