Maker's Mark

SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 5:09 pm

Happy to see this forum is back in action!

I recently obtained some 8 1/2 inch long serving spoons marked "COIN" and with the following maker's mark:

I know I should recognize this maker, but I guess the responsible brain cell died (along with too many of his friends). Can someone identify this maker so I can smack myself in the forehead and say, "Doh! I knew that!"? Thanks!

SS
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Post by **admin** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 5:43 pm

The examples here are tiny, but soon to be updated, see Watts at -> American Marks 10
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SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:24 pm

Thank you, admin! James Watts it is. As noted in the referenced text, the handles on my pieces are in fact engine turned between the hand engraved shield and the border threads, somewhat unique for flatware. I would hope that someday a silver enthusiast might put together an optical comparison program with a library of makers' emblems, so that there is something better than A-to-Z exhaustive search for an unknown figural mark. I appreciate your saving me from that option!

SS
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Post by **admin** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:31 pm

Engined turned decoration on flatware was a specialty of Watts. As to the pictorial indexing, we're working on it for the American section of the website.
Unlettered or Difficult marks

Regards, Tom
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SilverSurfer · Post by **SilverSurfer** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:56 pm

BTW, in a case of lightning striking twice, in an unrelated purchase I just received six dessert spoons in olive pattern variant by James Watts, marked with the same pictoral maker's mark, but smaller, and also "COIN" (same size). These newly arrived spoons are also marked with the retailer's name, "JAMES WATSON" (close, eh?). No engine turning on these, but there is a nice flower/scroll bottom.
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