posted on March 4, 2004 02:13:38 PM new
I read, and looked and looked, and found that 'real' silver, not silver plate has (or used to have) four 'hallmarks'. The maker, the assay office, the year, and not sure (I forgot now ) about the 4th
I have a silver (or is it silver plate) pierced, what I believe is a 'chased' basket. After looking this stuff up for a week.... I figure the first hallmark is Sheffield, and I *believe* that its late 1800's, but am not at all sure about that.
Does anyone have more silver knowledge here, it would be greatly appreciated!
Here's the basket, took quick pics..
And the 4 hallmarks, the 4th is wearing down
Any help would be really appreciated. TIA
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"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
Yep, I have that one bookmarked, after I found the J S & S was Sheffield, I found that one... yeah nice price, but they have theirs listed as Silver plate in the ad, and that is what is confusing. Mine is heavy, but I guess I cannot tell the difference between plate and 'real' silver.
(I also checked, and they've had it listed twice before, and it didn't sell, thats what makes me wonder about it)
I guess I would have to start it at a much lower price then theirs. But I think I need to find out more about it.
Thanks!
__________________________________
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
posted on March 4, 2004 02:45:02 PM new
I would guess that if yours is heavy, that it is also silverplate. I've always found that sterling silver has a much lighter feel to it.
I was a little shocked with the price on the one listed above too if it is silverplate, but I suppose if you pick a price for yours that you can live with...then let the bidding begin and see what happens. I'm sure their price is keeping some bidders from even looking at it. Who knows though, it is a lovely piece!
posted on March 4, 2004 02:55:25 PM new
Yeah it is a nice basket, (the other seller) I looked real close, and mine has a different design, so they are not identical.
Yeah, I think silver plate too, as you explained that it would be heavier, that makes sense
I paid $22 for it at an estate sale, end of the day, last day, Sunday, and they marked everything 75% down, no telling what they had it priced at the beginning on Saturday morning!
So I figure it wasn't a lot if its really that old, and it is pretty, I can keep it if I don't at least get double of what I paid
Thanks!
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"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
posted on March 4, 2004 06:49:21 PM new
BigPeepa should be reading this.
These are not "real" marks. They are faux marks. The crown (when used on a sterling standard item) stands for city of Sheffield. However, this item is not sterling.*
The seller referenced by the other auction believes his piece to be Sheffield plate. Well, it might be and it might not be. Sheffield plate (also called "old Sheffield plate) was produced by rolling silver onto sheets of copper. The resulting clad metal was then made into a variety of shapes. Sheffield plate fell out of favor before the mid-1800s with the advent of electroplating. But the important point is this: there was no legal requirement to mark Sheffield plate, so identification and dating can be tricky.
*To be sterling it would have to have the Lion Passant, which it does not. Yes, yes, earlier times had earlier standards and corresponding marks, but your basket does not date back to 1720!
What do I think it is? 1890s or thereabouts silverplate.
[ edited by fluffythewondercat on Mar 4, 2004 06:50 PM ]
posted on March 4, 2004 11:08:08 PM new
Thanks all! I really appreciate it. Been going over and over those damned hallmarks and getting very frustrated.
You got it Fluffy, thank!
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"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."- Carl Sagan
posted on March 5, 2004 09:27:59 AM new
NearTheSea: You're welcome. I can understand your frustration. The manufacturers do this on purpose; the idea of faux marks is to make you believe you're getting something more precious for a relatively small sum.
What annoys me is that the practice continues unabated. I've seen faux hallmarks on items that are brand-new and sold in department stores...thus insuring the confusion and frustration of future generations.
) about the 4th
