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Not the greatest of quality,although some may have been silver plated.I would just like to know what this type of ware is called and where made if possible,thanks,Keith,

Hi Keith,
These usually date to mid 20th Century.
Some will have marks on the underside. They were produced in fairly large numbers in Japan after the war, and some are in fact marksd 'Made in Occupied Japan'.
They are made (usually) of a spelter type alloy, usually with a copper coating with a very thin silver wash.
Sometimes they are actually properly plated, the 'earlier' ones are better made, the later ones are detailed but fairly soft and mass produced. The first clean often takes the silver off, leaving the copper, which if left then oxidises to a dark patina.
The other weak point with them is the hinge, which because of the softness of the metal often breaks.
They are rather common, and unless unusually good quality or in A1 condition are not particularly sought after.
Hope thats some help
Gene

Thankyou,do you know what name they give to this type of ware?Keith

Hi Keith,

I'm not sure if they have a specific name. They seem to mostly have been made for export so I've seen them described as 'souvenier' or 'export'. Often they are just described as 'silver plated' or 'silver washed'. I've even seen the internal metal described as 'Antimony'.
Sorry, not much help.
Gene

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