Help to identify "Shef" markings please

[sansky]

This marking is on the bottom of a very old pepper/salt shaker. The "Shef" I believe references Sheffield, but I am not sure. I can't find this particular "lion" or "crown". Any help appreciated.

[dognose]

Hi,

We had a tea/coffee set with this mark on the forum a few years ago. The item is plated, probably American.

I see no reason to connect this item with the city of Sheffield. The word 'SHEF' is probably no more than an implication to the method of early plating known as Old Sheffield Plate, something that was a popular marketing ploy by US silverware companies but has absolutely no connection with that method of manufacture.

Trev.

[sansky]

Thank you so much! That answered my question whether this was silver or silver-plate!