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Hi there, I have a piece marked EP on one side of an image, and BM on the other side. The image is 3 stars set inside a shamrock pattern. Below that is says Made in England, and below that an R. Does anybody know what company used that 3 star in a shamrock hallmark??? thanks so much.

Believe that mark was used by Barker Brothers of Birmingham.

Check here:
http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_B.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pat.

Dear Pat,

You are exactly right, now that I took a close look at the image. Three stars in a clover leaf. According to the hallmark listings, it says that Barker Bros merged and became Ellis-Barker Silver co in 1931. Does that mean the piece I have dates to some time before 1931???

thanks so much for your expertise!

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie.
The Barker Brothers Silver Company has a complicated and confusing history.
During the first half of the 20th century they took over several companies. Salaman & Levi, Ellis & Company and the Potosi Silver Company just to name a few. They often continued to use some of the trademarks of the old companies.
Even though they were at one time the second largest silverplate manufacturer in Birmingham England ( behind Elkington), I can't find much information on their silverplate marks.

My hunch is some of the old marks were used after they became Ellis-Barker.
Best I could say is that your mark dates to the first half of the 20th century.

Pat.

Pat,

It is so helpful to have someone so knowledgable about these things. thank you very much!

Bonnie