Anyone know anything about this cup?

[tony641]

I bought this cup at a local thrift store today for $5.  I know nothing about it.  Not even sure if it is an antique.  I just thought it was a very neat cup.  There is only one marking on bottom of the cup, it is E.P and a 1.  Any information would be appreciated.  I put a dollar bill in one of the photos for a scale.  As you see it is smaller than a dollar bill.  THANKS again everyone.  Sorry I couldn't get bigger pictures.  I took these with my phone.  If bigger ones are needed let me know I can get my camera out.

[tony641]

I think there might be a faded letter behind the P.  Possibly an N.

[ironlord1963]

   That is a nice silverplated Goblet.  The EP standing for Electoplate, as for the number 1, that number is the item set number.  i.e.  1 of 8 or 9 pieces in the set.  It is a bit unusual for silverplate items not to be marked with the maker stamp.  Without it I would first assume it is a post 40's item.  This was when most silverplate was made for Holiday use, previous to that it was very fad to have silverplate and the makers made sure they marked their items well.  It appears your item has some scroll engravings on it.  Does it look engraved or is it pressed.  A bit unusual to find engraved EP items, would have to be engraved before the plate is applied. The only other thing to keep in mind with silverplate items they are very collected but with little value.  So much out there to choose from, everyone seem to be getting their grandmother's set right now and there is sure a lot of grandmother right now.  With that being said, I think you have a unique piece, very attractive and would at least be worth the value you paid, if you plan to resale most likely you won't see much more.  The real question is do you polish it?  That will always bring about opinions.  Some like their plate nice and shiny and some like it black from age.   

[tony641]

I was doing a little research and think that not only is there a faded "N" but maybe an "S".  Would that be the make E.P.N.S.?  I was pondering the question about the polish.  I think I like the aged look.   I don't really know the difference between pressed or engraved but would have to guess pressed.  The pattern is repeated around the Goblet (thanks Ironlord for that info). However some of the lines in the patterns are closer together on some than others.  Some of the paterns are slightly lower towards the base of the goblet thank others.  Not sure if that makes sense or not.  Thanks for the info. 

[ironlord1963]

   Yes makes sense.  Would also think it is pressed but still from the pics looked engraved, would have to touch it.  As for the EPNS, That stands for Electo-plated Nickle Silver.  Basically it is Silverplate over a metal they call Nickle Silver.  In the beginning of Silverplate it was usually over copper, but then they made nickle silver, which if the plate ever wore off it still had a silver tint to the metal, where copper became quite unsightly per say.

[fancypants]

Cool little item , tony641 .

EPNS usually stands for "Electro-Plated Nickle-Silver" .

The good news is , if you really like & want to keep this item , it can be electro-plated again (if there's plating missing) .

An alternative to polishing is : using a spoon or two of baking soda + a glass or plastic (tupperware works fine) non-metalic container + a piece of standard aluminum foil + hot water ;
Wash your item with dishsoap & a cloth or sponge , then rinse in hot water .
Add hot water to the container , mix in the baking soda & submerge the piece of foil in the container & set your item (fully covered by the liquid) upon the foil in the container .
You can also use a small toothbrush , along the way in the submersion process , to gently 'brush off' flakes of tarnish .

This should take between 2 - 5 min.

After electro-cleaning your item , wash & rinse & dry your item .

It should only take a short time for you to see a very shiny item in your hands .

I'm only suggesting this as a quick alternative to rubbin' the heck out of it with polish , and the fact that although it's a nice looking cup , it's only an electro-plated item with a small value (IMO) .

If you do decide to sell , you'll know if there's plating missing , via this method (& also have a better idea if it's intact) .

Whoops ... ironlord1963 beat me to the draw !(very slow typist here , in more ways than 1)

[tony641]

Thanks again everyone for the info.

[KC]

This is used for cordials.  Just enough for a few sips!

EPNS is like the others so aptly stated - Electro Plated Nickel Silver (nickel base and THIN covering of silver).

In my neck of the woods $3 - $6.

The main thing… do you like it?  If you want to sell….do not clean it up!

[tony641]

KC, you post explains why I have not seen many of these here in Northern WI.  We do not like little just a few sips.  I plan on holding on to it, something cought my eye and I just really like the looks of it.  I'm tempted to clean it up but like it the way it is.  Thanks for the info. 

[KC]

LOL!  Enjoy it Tony!