A determination of history and value will be confronted with your comprehensive inquire of information, photographic illustrations and a transparent image of a silversmith's logo, symbol, trademark, brand or signature, distinguishing the piece's as follows: Renderings depict a single set of 5 silver plate serving pieces consisting of , (1) Serving Tray measures approx. 30" in length, (1) Coffee Pot approx. 12" tall, (1) Tea Pot approx. 12" tall, (1) Sugar bowl with Lid approx. 7.5" tall, (1) Cream Pitcher approx. 5.5" tall, each raised on curved clawed feet, unknown pattern perhaps Baroque, base metal is copper, attributed to and is marked Sheridan Silver Company [Crown, script S, shield], Taunton, Mass, USA circa 1950.

Sheridan Silver Co., Inc.Taunton, Massachusetts, originated in 1944 as the C & C Silver company by Joseph Caiozzo and Harry Carmody. Incorporated in 1946 as Sheridan Silver Co. Inc. The largest of the independent silver manufacturers, production is limited to plated silver, still operates today.

Ornamental and protective plate is very thin, usually from 1/1,000 to 2/1,000 of an inch (0.03 to 0.05 millimeter) thick. Quadruple plate would be 4/100 to 8/100 of an inch thick, For plating gold, silver, copper, zinc, and cadmium, cyanide solutions of the same metals are often used. Copper and zinc may also be plated by acid-sulfate solutions. Chromium is plated with a chromic-acid solution and nickel is plated with nickel sulfate. Other metals plated for commercial use include platinum, lead, and tin. Alloys of two or more metals may be deposited by using a solution of salts of the metals that make up the alloy. Examples of alloys used for plating are brass, black nickel, lead-tin, and bronze.

Art Nouveau, This style was first introduced to England circa 1890, and was a product of the Arts and Crafts movement started by William Morris. It was a revolt against the mass produced wares of the Victorian era and was adapted to silverware showing free flowing lines, often asymmetrical, with intertwining floral patterns, insects and female faces depicting a great influence from Japanese Art. The main characteristic seen in most Art Nouveau pieces is a long line with a quick curve at the end this has been said to be reflective of the social mood of the time. Eventually it was its own extravagance that led to its demise.

There are several 3-4 and 5 piece sets for sale on www.Ebay.com unfortunately with not very high prices being realized, a search of the last 90 days produced about a $75. 00 range + shipping.

The above statistics corroborate, and do imply Sheridan Silver Company authenticity, these pieces are without restoration penalties, certainly not apocryphal, kitsch, a hybrid or even a red herring, far be it {from me} to be backward, when admiration for this 5 piece vintage tea serving paradigm is in order, we express our gratitude to you for your time and persistence in submitting images, from our independent organization here in the great lakes region of North America., USA. I, Bruce L. Taylor, AOA 63378, USAF retired, an antiquarian, am your assigned enthusiastic independent senior evaluator. Research complete, 1:45 PM, EST, December 6th., 2005, thank you for your interest in our on-line valuation service.