Silverplate spoon identification - please help!

[lukedpotter]

Hi,

I'm trying to find out more information about this spoon. I've managed to establish that it was made by J. Gilbert & Son around the turn of the century, but haven't been able to find any more than that. If anyone can give me any more information about whether that's correct, the meaning of the other symbols and perhaps a more precise date, I'd be grateful. Thanks in advance!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5643965&l=1b9aefe1e9&id=222305108

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5643966&l=7e91071ad9&id=222305108

[2209patrick]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

John Gilbert & Sons started using that mark in 1894.
The crown in a cartouche was banned on British silverplate around 1897.
So, your spoon dates to between 1894 and 1897.
( I enlarged your picture of the marks ).

The B stands for Birmingham and the L stands for London.
The other two marks are just pseudo marks.



Pat.

[lukedpotter]

Thanks a lot. Do you know why has it been marked Birmingham and London? Surely it was only made in one place?

[dognose]

Hi Luke,

At the time your spoon was made the address noted for John Gilbert was 107, Ryland Street, Birmingham and 25-29, Coleman Street, London EC.

Trev.