Berndorf Alpacca Silver-Plated Flatware (Art. Krupp)
Flatware (Spoon/Fork Handle) · Nickel-Silver (Alpacca) base with Silver Electroplating
Purity: Non-gold; Silver-plated (90 marking)
Type
Flatware (Spoon/Fork Handle)
Purity
Non-gold; Silver-plated (90 marking)
Gold Type
Nickel-Silver (Alpacca) base with Silver Electroplating
Weight
30g to 80g depending on full utensil size
Description
A silver-plated utensil handle featuring the iconic Berndorf bear logo. The '90' stamp indicates high-quality Austrian silver plating on a base of Alpacca (nickel silver).
Key Features
Walking bear hallmark within a circle; '90' numerical plating mark; tapered ridged handle
Color & Finish
Cool silver-grey with heavy surface scratching and typical silver patina
Hallmarks & Stamps
'90' stamp (silver plating thickness) and Berndorf 'Art. Krupp' bear hallmark
Dimensions Estimate
Handle width approximately 15mm-22mm; tapered design
Gemstones & Inlays
None; metallic utility item
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable
Chain & Links
Solid cast construction with central ridge beveling
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial die-stamped production with electroplated silver finish
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Berndorf '90' stamp and circular Art. Krupp bear hallmark logo
Origin & Maker
Berndorf Metal Goods Factory (Berndorf, Austria); Arthur Krupp
Era & Period
Early to mid-20th Century (Industrial/Art Deco influence)
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1950
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of high-quality industrial tableware for the European middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant directional scratching and abrasive wear; no visible 'bleeding' of base metal
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD (Nominal resale value as silver-plate, no precious metal melt value)
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a soft silver cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners; hand wash only
Similar Items
WMF silver-plate, Christofle silver-plate, or sterling silver flatware
Interesting Facts
The Berndorf bear logo was chosen as a pun on the town's name ('Bär' means bear in German).