Nickel silver
What is nickel silver?
Nickel silver is a copper alloy containing nickel and zinc. The alloy itself contains no silver, despite its silvery appearance. It is also called German silver; the Norwegian name is nysølv and the German name is Neusilber.
Nickel silver and silver-plated nickel silver
Nickel silver can serve as the base metal of a silver-plated object. EPNS denotes electroplated nickel silver: silver forms a coating over the alloy. The term nickel silver alone does not indicate that an object has a silver coating. See also silver plate.
Material names and fineness marks
Nickel silver is not a silver fineness standard. 830S and 925 sterling describe silver content in a silver alloy. Read the complete set of marks; a material name or a single abbreviation does not establish the maker, designer or age on its own. Interpret marks in their country, maker and period context. Read more about fineness and fineness marks.
Identification without damage
Colour, weight and a magnet test provide clues rather than proof. Examine existing marks and naturally worn areas. Do not scratch, file or apply acid to investigate a collectible. For a plated object, surface-analysis results must be considered alongside the base metal; finding silver on the surface does not mean the object is silver throughout.
Condition and collector value
Consider maker, design, workmanship, completeness and condition. An object's total weight should not be treated as silver weight. Gentle handling is especially important for plated objects: vigorous or repeated polishing can remove details and the silver coating. Record marks and surface condition before cleaning.
Explore current items in OBA's Silver & Metal category. Individual product pages provide material and condition information.
Sources and further reading
- Canadian Conservation Institute: caring for metal objects – nickel silver and the meaning of EPNS.
- Canadian Conservation Institute: identifying metal – limits of visual assessment and non-invasive examination.
- Canadian Conservation Institute: polishing silver – examples of damage to silver plating.
