How do I clean a silver plated cocktail shaker?

Wash the interior and exterior gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth to protect the finish. Avoid abrasive scouring pads that can wear through the silver plate over time. Dry the metal thoroughly immediately after washing to prevent water spots. For tarnish removal, use a specialised silver polish applied lightly by hand.

Are these vintage cocktail shakers still usable?

Most silver plated and glass shakers remain fully functional for mixing drinks today. Check that the cork seals and lids fit securely before use to prevent leaks. Take care with older mechanisms like rolling recipes or integral squeezers. Hand washing preserves both the mechanical parts and the exterior plating.

How can I tell an Art Deco shaker apart from later styles?

Art Deco shakers from the 1920s and 1930s typically feature stepped geometric motifs, streamlined vertical lines, and Bakelite or enamel details. They reflect the industrial optimism of the interwar period. Later pieces from the 1950s and 1960s often adopt cleaner, more minimalist Scandinavian or Italian Modernism lines. Form follows function more strictly in these postwar designs.

What does EPNS mean on a shaker?

EPNS stands for electroplated nickel silver, which serves as the metallic foundation for the silver coating. This mark indicates that a base metal alloy containing nickel was subjected to an electrical current to bond a thin layer of pure silver to its surface. Manufacturers used this stamp widely across British barware production during the early twentieth century. It guarantees a sturdy metal core beneath the silver exterior.