B. and J. Sippel Ltd were a cutlery manufacturer in Sheffield, beginning operations out of their newly built premises Sipelia Works (opposite the much older Sheaf Works) from 1931 until around 1970 when they closed the business.
B. & J. SIPPEL LTD (Sipelia Works - Cadman Street, Sheffield England) - Desert Spoon
Circa 1930's ~ 1970's
Based on where we obtained these, the 1950's is the very likely manufacture period
Nickel Silver - this actually contains NO silver but is an alloy (copper, zinc and nickel) which has a very similar appearance to silver/silver plated metal.
1x Nickel Silver desert spoon
Each spoon is stamped on the underside handle
"SIPELIA"
RUSTLESS NICKEL SILVER
SHEFFIELD ENGLAND
Length of spoon: 6.5"
Weight: 40g (medium for a non-precious metal spoon)
This line of cutlery was produced because it will not rust and has the appearance of silver but is a more durable metal, unlike old Sheffield plate which if cleaned too often or rigouressly, will eventually show the base copper underneath the silver plating.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Clean with a medium lustre although the spoon bowl tends to be of a duller appearance
Normal useage marks in the bowl area of the spoon - nothing serious though
NO discolouration
NO oxidisation 'spots'
Nickel Silver can take on a greenish yellow appearance if it is need of a polish. We used the same treatment as for Silver Plate (Baking Soda and Aluminium foil) and this always cleaned up the Nickel Silver fine.
***
Watch out if you are using the spoon with sources of Sulphur (such as an egg - yes, I know, why would you use a desert spoon with an egg!) because the Sulphur content will tarnish the Nickel Silver finish (black marks, which can be cleaned though)
NO bending or other physical damage
This spoon is now sealed in cello-wrap plastic (not shrink wrap) to reduce environmental effects on the metal.
