Page 1 of 1

Unknown Spoon markings, HELP?

Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:42 pm
by underdogmike
So I found this serving spoon in a bag of silverware I bought recently, and I've been beating myself over the head for a week to try and figure out where the markings on the back originate. I've scoured every inch of this site, to no avail. The webelo I saw on someone from Sheffield or Birmingham, but it doesn't match exactly. The tree looks sort of like the Glasgow signet, but not quite. The 'JS' and 'JL' markings don't match any of the various 'JS' and 'JL's I've seen...
(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

Image
Image
Image
Image

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

Thanks!
Mike

Re: Unknown Spoon markings, HELP?

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 12:46 pm
by underdogmike
I just got some info on the spoon: " I'm pretty sure it's Scottish provincial as suggested. I have had a look through my references and, although I haven't found an exact match, I think that JS is probably John Seller of Elgin. The only problem with that is that Elgin silver normally has "ELN" or "ELGIN" stamped on it too. However the tree and balls stamp matches the reference for which a date of 1835 is given. There is no JL listed as an Elgin goldsmith or silversmith so I can't make any suggestion there."

Anything else would help! Also, please let me know if I should take a clearer picture of the stamp before I sell it.

Re: Unknown Spoon markings, HELP?

Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 12:58 pm
by carlislepaul
underdogmike

John Sellar (tree with baubles x3 JS) was a watchmaker/silversmith who was first recorded in Forres in 1821 before moving to Elgin which he left in 1825 for Wick via Tain returning to Elgin in 1836.

James Leslie (tree with baubles x3 JL) was a general dealer in High Street Elgin from 1821.

These marks and info appear in 'Silversmiths of Moray' by Moss and in the book and on the CD of 'Scottish Provincial Silversmiths' by Turner.

Simplest answer is retailer overstamping maker, but somehow I think you need expert opinion on this one.

Are the fleur-de-lys upside down thistles?

Regards

Paul

Re: Unknown Spoon markings, HELP?

Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 1:58 pm
by underdogmike
I thought they were webelos. heh. I don't believe they're upside down.

Great information, thank you very much! (admin edit - see Posting Requirements )