posted on December 17, 2002 06:45:11 AM new
Calling all the Silver and Sterling experts, I need helping identify Sterling Hallmark and pattern of this flatware. Pictures below.
Click Here: Hallmark
It is a 12 - 5 pieces set with serving pieces. Purchased about 20+ years ago, just after the boom -- bust of silver in the early 80s, from one of the largest coin dealers in the Midwest. This set was part of this coin dealers personal Sterling Collection. At that time, he told me the Silversmith's name and the pattern, but I didn't write it down, all I remember was that it was RARE or UNUSUAL. I come in a deluxe Westmoreland Sterling Chest. However, I do not believe that was the original chest.
The same dealer, a client of our firm and a very good friend, sold me at the same time a Georg Jensen Acorn set of 226 pieces, many period pieces of Sterling, a very nice Collection. After I bought the lot, I shown to one of our firm's partners a well known collector of silver. He told me that was "an extremely valuable lot, the best that money could put together."
All and every piece is marked STERLING and has a very small hallmark, which appears to be a "Knight Helmet with a plume and the top part of the Knights shoulders and chest. The knight is looking to the West" The dinner knifes' blades was marked International Stainless.
I know it is not a Westmoreland, since I have research on the web and on books, and it seems that Westmoreland never designed anything like this pattern, that is why I think this was not the original Silver Chest.
posted on December 17, 2002 08:09:58 AM new
I checked my references books and this is as close as I could come to helping you.
Jeannie
http://www.silvercollecting.com/
The International Silver Company was formed by several smaller companies joining together as one company in 1898. The following companies are now part of the International Silver Company: Rogers & Bro, Rogers Brothers (1847), Holmes & Edwards, Meriden Britannia Co., Meriden Silver Plate Company, Simpson, Hall & Miller, Watrous Mfg. Co., La Pierre Mfg. Co. and over 20 more. The International Silver Company is today owned by the Syratech Corporation of Massachusetts.
* Click to View International Silver Co. Silverware Guides
* See also: The Meriden Britannia Company
* See also: The Meriden Silver Plate Company
posted on December 17, 2002 08:11:16 AM new
Actually, I am not close on this, but thought the site may help you. I will do some further research and send it here for you.
posted on December 17, 2002 08:45:59 AM new
Guess this is out of my ideas of thought. I have checked every reference book I own and everything online. I even checked Mexico Silver as there is a conquestador (sp) mark there. But it does not match up either.
Guess its time for Barnes and Noble to check their books and have a good cup of coffee.
Sorry I could not help you, I hope someone else can and soon. Nice set.
posted on December 17, 2002 09:31:07 AM new
First, the mark is not a hallmark. It is a manufacturer's mark. English/Scottish/Irish sterling has hall marks: the touch mark of the silversmith, date made, region, etc.
Second, the manufacturer's mark is International Silver, produced in the U.S. Your example is badly worn.
Third, the pattern is "Sonja", introduced in 1937. The Thirties were not a great decade for flatware design. Much of the stuff produced then goes begging today.
I am at a loss to understand what this could possibly have to do with Georg Jensen (then a Danish manufacturer) or the Acorn pattern. There's no connection at all.
posted on December 17, 2002 10:12:01 AM new
According to Tere Hagen (Revised 2nd Edition) Sonja by Int. was first made in 1937. Not in great demand, at the bottom of the rare & collectible categories.
posted on December 17, 2002 10:24:35 AM new
Thank you everyone. Your input has made me remember that it was International Silver and that the pattern was Sonja. Yes, I agree it is unusual or rare, as I now remember, it was a limited production because it appeared just before the start of WW2.
To me is a pretty pattern.
Thanks again for all the help, after 20+ years of ownership I wanted to remember the manufacturer and pattern name.
Merry Christmas to you all, we hope you all have a wonderful holidays!
[ edited by USMarines on Dec 17, 2002 10:25 AM ]
