Unknown marks on a sterling pyx with attached ring

[catthom]

Hello,
I have searched this forum and other online places, and have not found the hallmarks on this unusual pyx with an attached ring. I did search through the American and continental sections. I am including 3 photos, the whole shebang, top and the bottom with the marks. Hope I did this correctly! Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Cat

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb17 ... bottom.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb17 ... opened.jpg
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[2209patrick]

Welcome to the forum.

Believe your mark was used by Swift & Fisher (Harry W. Fisher and Joseph H. Swift) of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
They were jewelry manufactures.
They also produced a complete line of religious articles, including rosaries.
In business at least from 1915 through 1965.

Pat.
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[catthom]

Thanks so very much- that was so quick. Pat, I really appreciate you letting me know.
Cat
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[silverly]

Just a little documentation to go a long with the fine answer you already received; it seems it wasn't until the 1940's that registered trademarks really became important to manufacturers. Here is what the USPTO site has concerning this mark:



Word Mark SF
Goods and Services (EXPIRED) IC 014. US 028. G & S: ECCLESIASTICAL GOODS-NAMELY, CHALICES, CIBROIUMS, SANCTUARY LAMPS, JEWEL LAMPS, BAPTISMAL SETS, BAPTISMAL SHELLS, BAPTISMAL CANDLE HOLDERS, PATENS, PYXES, OIL STOCKS, HOLY WATER SPRINKLERS, SICK CALL SETS, COPE CLASPS, VEIL CLASPS, TABERNACLE KEY TASSELS, ABLUTION CUPS, VASES, CRUET SETS AND TRAYS, LUNA HOLDERS, BREAD BOXES, AND ALTER SETS; AND RELIGIOUS ARTICLES-NAMELY, VOTIVE LAMPS, CRUCIFIXES, CROSSES, ROSARIES, MEDALS, BADGES, EMBLEMS, RINGS, AND BOOKMARKS, MADE IN WHOLE OR IN PART OF PRECIOUS METAL OR PLATED WITH SAME. FIRST USE: 19120729. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19120729
Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search Code 24.15.25 - Other arrows
Serial Number 71470641
Filing Date May 25, 1944
Current Filing Basis 1A
Original Filing Basis 1A
Registration Number 0414427
Registration Date June 12, 1945
Owner (LAST LISTED OWNER) SWIFT & FISHER, INC. MASSACHUSETTS. NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS.
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Affidavit Text SECT 12C. SECT 15.
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
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[catthom]

An area of research I didn't think of. It appears they are still in business, but what I found states that the current lines are made only of brass. I may call them to see if I can figure out a date.
I appreciate your help, this forum is wonderful!
Cat
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[finian]

Hello – late to the party, but (should anyone else come late, as I did, and be interested): what you have there is not a pyx (which is a container used in the Roman Catholic Church and among some Anglicans – perhaps Lutherans, as well – to contain the consecrated eucharistic Host, used when carrying it, usually to administer Holy Communion to a shut-in. They are usually larger than this object, never have the ring seen here, but do sometimes resemble a hunter-style pocket-watch case. This object is an oil-stock, one for the oil used for anointing the sick – at the time this was made, it would have been used exclusively for the Sacrament of Extreme Unction: it is marked OI for Oleum Infirmorum (Oil of the Sick). The ring is slip over the finger, so the Priest can use the other hand to apply the oil to various locations on the sick/dying person's body (head, hands, feet) without worrying about the container slipping.

[dognose]

Hi Finian,

Welcome to the Forum.

Thanks for updating the topic. We have seen a few of these oil stocks on the forum, but I think this is the first time that we have seen one in the form of a ring.

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=18350&p=81270&hilit=Prendeville#p81270

Trev.