unknown T.85 mark on silver salt....

[mg langeveld]

Does someone recognise the mark on this salt?
It reads "T.85" T and both 8 & 5 are individually underlined,
see pictures.

The salt is a recent addition to my little collection of salts which I use for instruction purposes (As a metal conservator/restorer I give courses on several subjects, including a course on cleaning of silver at the ICN, The Netherlands Institute for Conservation).

Any information on origin of this mark would be appreciated, also information on why this salt would have only 1 mark would be appreciated.

Michiel Langeveld

[admin]

Hi Michiel,
It appears to be a piece of vintage Indian silver and most likely made for a European customer. The 85 is not underlined, the piece was stamped twice to get a clear impression and it shifted a little for the second strike.
Djokja silver from Indonesia is also similar in appearance and the piece turning up in the Netherlands gives Java a slight possibility as its origination point - although India or India/Persia seems far more likely. Sorry, I do not know the maker.

Regards, Tom

(ps. sorry for the repost, managed to mangle the thread in an attempt to move part of it)

[admin]

Dragonflywink replied:

Researched some British Colonial Indian silver a few years back (can't seem to find my old notes), believe the "T" (Tola?) preceding 85, 90, 95, etc. was a fineness mark used somewhere around 1920s-40s. Perhaps someone has one of Winyard Wilkinson's books?

Cheryl ;o)

[admin]

Michiel,
Thank you for sharing this with us. I have added a new forum, named "Silver Care" and I'm sure people will post questions there. I hope you will continue to share your knowledge with us.

Regards, Tom