what is epns
EPNS stands for Electro Plated Nickel Silver. Nickel Silver (sometimes stainless steel) is the base metal onto which silver is plated. Despite its name, nickel silver contains no silver at all, but is an alloy of nickel, zinc & copper.he most common is EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) but many other symbols are used: 1  EPBM (Electro Plated Britannia Metal). 2  EPCA (Electro Plated Copper Alloy). 3  ESM (Electro Plated Silver Mounts).