Found Victorian-Era Silver Plate at Goodwill

I do like a bit of old silver plate and the last few weeks I’ve been spotting quite pieces in my neighborhood thrift store. (Likely someone’s mom died or is being moved to a retirement home and the family is having a clear out.) Some of the pieces were in good condition, some not. Most priced a little high. The other day I was tempted by a nice sugar and creamer, but honestly, those aren’t selling for me these days and at $15+ for the pair I doubted there would be much profit if they did sell.

But today I saw this little cache pot. It was a tarnished mess and had some silver flaking on the bottom and a little around the rim, but seemed to be free of dents and creases. Hmmm. I checked the maker’s mark on the bottom and it was one I didn’t recognize–P. B. & P. Co.

Well, I picked up the pot and carried it around the store. As I walked around with it looking at other stuff, I pondered–Did I really want to buy this? Was it good enough? Would it sell? In the end my answer was yes to all the questions.

Turns out P. B. & P. Co. is Porter, Brittania & Plate Company once based in Taunton, MA. They were active from 1859 to the 1870s making this little pot over 150 years old! And it certainly gives off the over-the-top decoration of the Victorian-era–from the etching to the embossing and the fancy cast elements. It had it all.

After using a couple of Weiman Silver Wipes I was able to reveal the beauty of this piece right down to the rubbed A.E.A. monogram on the front cartouche.

I think my pot would look great with a handful of pheasant feathers which were a common element in both Victorian decor and fashion.

**Kelly Elko of “Love Where You Live” showcases feathers beautifully in this photo.**

Or perhaps filled with dried flowers or branches.

**Kassandra at “Shabbyfufu.com” has some lovely ideas.**

All this to say I am pleased with my little cache pot and will keep an eye out for other antique silver-plated items for my store.

And does old silver plate like this sell? Indeed! Over the years I have sold 40 or so pieces including the tray below that was purchased for a TV show set (“The Son”) with Pierce Brosnan! The cupid hand mirror was one of my favorites. (The pieces below sold in the $48 to $90 range.)