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Hello,

That smiling sun was a mark used by Mappin Bros.

Paul.

This is not an enquiry about specific piece, but a general question. I had always understood that hallmarks on flatware read left to right until 1810, when they were change to read vertically, except for the lion passant which was struck at right angles to the other marks. This was to prevent the tr...

This is a Feather Tea spoon from around 1770. The only possibility I can find for a maker would be John Laughlin. However, I can find no record of him ever using a “shaped” shield for his mark. Anyone care to venture an opinion? Paul. http://aycu39.webshots.com/image/33838/2003454282432247225_th.jpg...

Just to add to what Patrick said, these fish eaters are by Walker and Hall of Sheffield. The marks indicate that they were actually made in 1907.

Hope this helps.

Paul.

German silver is one of the many names used for an alloy of copper, zinc and nickle. It is also the “N.S.” part of E.P.N.S. Many flatware makers of the 19th and early 20th centuries made pieces from this alloy. The unplated ones usually being given a trade name as in this case. It also appears as Ne...

Thanks Bahner. I have the Postnikova book, which seems to be the most comprehensive reference. I suppose it will just have to remain a mystery.

Paul.

The M over W was a mark used by Mappin & Webb during the 1970's.
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This is the mark on a Russian table spoon, with a Moscow date of 1851. All of my references show the maker as unknown. Does anyone know any different?

Paul.

I would go for St. Matthew. He seems to be holding a money bag. a symbol of his proffession as a tax collector.

Paul

Thanks for the information. Mappin Bros. do seem to be the most likely candidates. I am still trying to determine the material that the hafts are made from. It seems to be O.S.P. but I suspect that it has been electro-plated at a later stage. I should just add that in the Sheffield cutlery trade the...

Can anyone give an opinion as to the maker of these knives. They are late 18th century, pistol grip handle and steel blades. The haft maker’s mark is “MB in an oval on one side and a sun with a face on the other side. MB and a sun brings Matthew Boulton to mind, but I have never seen his suns with a...

That is a stainless steel spoon. The lower of the two marks says 18/8. This is the grade of stainless steel denoting the alloy;18% chromium, 8% nickle and to 74% steel.

Paul

Thanks Stewart. Another mystery solved!
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Thanks for the information Bahner. It is always good to solve a mystery.

Paul.

Can anyone help with this ladle? It looks continental, possibly Swiss or French. It is Fiddle & Thread pattern, a good heavy gauge, 13¾” (35cm) long, with a gilded bowl. The marks on the back are “T V” in a rectangle and what looks like a hamburger, although it probably isn’t. Paul. http://m1.f...

Hello Pete,

It is difficult to see the maker’s mark, but the rest of the marks are for Moscow 1884. The B.C Cyrillic for V.S.) above the date is the Assay Master’s mark, in this case Victor Sakinov.

Paul

This is a watch fob. It was made to hang from a pocket watch chain (an Albert). The fob would be attatched to the part of the chain which was in the centre of a gentleman's waistcoat.

Paul
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Can anyone put a name to this London (1911) maker? It is on a teapot cover and overstamps a mark begining with "A".
The mark itself is EL over L.
Paul




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Thanks Tom. Another mystery solved.

Paul
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This is a mark on a fiddle tea spoon which, although it rings bells, I cannot pin down. Any ideas?


Paul


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