EPNS Bell with Striker
a. Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) Dinner bell that is suspended from a rustic stand
b. An EPNS solid spherical Striker with a handle that sits in hooks attached to the stand
Modern electroplating was invented by Italian Luigi V Brugnatelli in 1805 but the invention was suppressed for many years due to the fear of confusion between plated silver and sterling silver. Electroplating became commonplace after makers agreed to use hall markings e.g. EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) / EPBM (Electro Plated Britania Metal) to indicate to composition of the metal and differentiate from sterling silver.
The Electroplating process is where a thin layer of sterling silver is deposited electrolytically on a surface of base metal like nickel or britannium (a pewter alloy).
Details
Details
This bell may have been used as a dinner bell or to call servants indicating it was used in a larger household.
Busselton Historical Society
Busselton Historical Society
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