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Silver/plated sugar tongs: 4 unkown marks + WP maker's mark

Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:32 am
by bronwenp
Hello again! This is the second piece I acquired at the same time as the caddy spoon. It is a nice, elegant pair of sugar tongs, which again look and feel like solid silver, but the marks are a mystery.

They consist of a crown, a spiky maltese cross, a fleur-de-lys, a 6-legged insect-looking thing. The maker's mark is clearer on this one, definitely WP.

The two items I've posted have similar enough elements that they may be the same maker. I'm wondering whether they are bogus marks to look like sterling, whereas they are plate??

Please help as I'm very intrigued by this little mystery!!!
Thank you
Bron

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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:37 pm
by 2209patrick
I think that's the silverplate mark of Parkin & Marshall, Sheffield, England.
In the set of pseudo marks the crown is intended to mimic the Sheffield silver crown. The use of this mark on silverplate was banned in 1897.

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Pat.

Thank you!!

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:31 am
by bronwenp
Thank you so much for your informative and prompt reply to both my postings, Pat.

I was suspicious that these were 'bogus' silver plate marks, and it's great to have this confirmed and, in addition to find out the makers of both pieces and a rough dateline.

I shall add this information to my knowledge base... you've been a great help.

Best wishes from sunny Wales,
Bron.