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Originally Posted by dana_w
Maybe you can tell if it is "electroplated on to the zinc base" from the photo Shakethetrees.
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Yes, that is exactly what the reverse of the ones that I've seen look like.
It would have to be electroplated.
Simple plating by the electroless immersion process produces a coating that is called a "strike". It is so thin that it is used only as a prep for the electroplating process. The electroless strike is immeasurably thin, maybe 1/250,000 of an inch thick or less.
Before the mid 19th century, decorative objects were rarely made of zinc alloy as it just isn't attractive in its natural state.
When electroplating was refined into a commercially viable process in the 1840's, it was a gamechanger. Zinc objects are best manufactured by casting as it takes exquisite detail with much less care and trouble than other more durable metals. The marriage of electroplating and the ability to easily make detailed duplicates brought fancy goods within reach of the masses.
Silver, copper, bronze and gold plated wares were produced by the boatload, for sale inexpensively compared to hand wrought, one off pieces. The busy style of the Renaissance as interpreted by Germans and Dutch both lent itself to the new mass production AND appealed to the early Victorian romanticism of the day.
Your plaque falls squarely into this period.