What's the difference between a Silver band and a Brass band?

In the days when brass instruments were not as expensive as silver-plated ones, the term, silver band, implied a band that could afford the latter, and thus were a more successful band.

Now, however, the costs are similar, and the distinction between brass and silver bands is generally not made. Some bands carried the name, silver prize band, as a result of their successes in contests and competitions. As time went on some kept the name, silver.

Below is a picture of Stape winning Kirkbymoorside contest in 1935 as "Stape Silver Prize Band"