What is this marking (1916 DWM)

[DonVoigt]

Originally Posted by Heinz

my understanding is the electroplating process takes two or three steps,, the first plate is copper, the second plating is nickel and the third plating is chrome. I do not know if that is still the process but it was once. So chrome was a step beyond nickel. Nickel has a softer look, more like silver, and I like it better, but it was cheaper.

No need to plate chrome over nickel.
Copper is the base "coat" for either, then either nickel or chrome.

Chrome is harder and "shiny-er".

Nickel salts are more expensive than chrome salts- it's a volume thing- or was when lots of plating was being done.

The minor cost of the actual very small amount of metal, should not enter into the equation in the final cost of a plating job- unless it is a "marketing" driven way to make more $$.