EPBM Silver Plate Kettle by James Dickson & Sons

• Epbm / Britannia Metal - Britannia metal is a pewter type alloy, that can be temporarily polished to a silver-like lustre. In the 19th century, Britannia metal, was often electroplated. Plated wares in this metal may be marked EPBM (electro-plated Britannia metal). Where the silver plate wears on an EPBM item, the surface colour is dull grey, similar to pewter. Britannia metal was generally used as a cheaper alternative to electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) which is more durable. The primary component of nickel silver is copper and wear on an EPNS item will be indicated by a copper colored hue in the wear spots. EPBM items are held in low regard by collectors.
• A/f, as Inspected - The letters "A/F" or "as inspected" as part of a description is the cataloguer's shorthand for "all faults" or "as found", meaning the item has some type of damage or deficiency, it is of uncertain date or provenance, and/or that the seller takes no responsibility for the completeness of the item or the accuracy of the description.
• Britannia Metal / Epbm - Britannia metal items, often marked as "EPBM", are composed of a pewter type alloy of tin animony and copper, First produced in 1769, Britannia metal can be temporarily polished to a silver-like lustre. When electroplate was introduced in the mid 19th century, the Britannia newly manufactured Britannia metal items were oftern silver plated, but the plating wears off relatively quickly leaving an unappealing grey surface.
  
  Britannia metal should not to be confused with Britannia standard silver, which is a higher grade of silver than sterling silver, containing at least 958 parts per thousand of pure silver,

This item has been included into following indexes:

• kettles - silver plate, spirit 111