Stuffing spoon mystery!

[sherbie]

ok......i think i worked out the photo link. here is a 12" stuffing spoon that i haven't a clue on. not sure if it is silverplate or sterling (no apparent sterling marks). any help or clues would be greatly appreciated!!
thanks!
sherbie

[Neruda]

The last mark, "E & Co" looks like this should be Elkington, however "E" "M" "& Co" could be Evans & Matthews.

Either way, almost certainly English silverplate.

[sherbie]

thanks!

can you tell age from these marks? also, have any idea what the "A" means?

sherbie

[Waylander]

Sherbie

"A", like "A1" may have been an indicator of the (real or claimed) quality/thickness of the plating. Also, I believe that the mark is that of Elkington & Co - see here http://www.antiquesilverspoons.co.uk/canteenmakers.htm

Waylander

[sherbie]

hey aussie,

i believe it is the Elkington Co. thank you! i read the link: they discussed date marks, but didn't have a key. the only thing left is to figure out the date mark. let me know if you know!

thanks again,

sherbie

[Waylander]

Sherbie

I may be corrected on this, but it is my understanding that no English plate marks ever featured a Date Letter - Date Letters were applied by the relevent Assay Office when "certifying" a piece of Sterling Silver. The same rules and regulations did not apply to Plate.

Waylander

[wev]

Elkington used date letters on their plate; check Rainwater.

[dragonflywink]

Elkington applied their own dating code to their silverplate starting in 1841. The "EM&Co." mark was used starting in 1842 when the Elkingtons took on a partner named Josiah Mason and the firm became Elkington, Mason & Co. for a time; understood that the "EM&Co." mark was not used after 1864, but the R-in-octagon date letter on your piece corresponds to an 1877 date.

Cheryl ;o)

[Waylander]

I stand corrected :)

Waylander