www.925-1000.com

I'm trying to identify these hallmarks on mexican flatware from Diener Hermanos. I haven't found anything about that brand online. They are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. I'm also trying to find out if they are silverplate or solid silver. The blades of the knives seem to be made of steel.

The photos are posted at http://postimage.org/gallery/2dbqi8ezs/25b27203/

Nickel alloy, and Silver plated cutlery, made by »WMF« Germany, pattern »F«

Hello »patricio89«

Welcome to the Forum!

For sure all of us, also I’m having start like you — as »Greenhorns« or New-be.

But you’ve already made the first right steps out of the jungle — because for many traders, private or professionals is all »Silver« what is shinning.

For first aid contra yours doubts, please read this article on signification of numerals on Plated:

http://www.925-1000.com/a_platenumbers.html

And here you would find some maker’s marks from Plated Silver producers:

http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate__menu.html

But now let’s start to solve yours question:

»Diener Hermanos« were German wholesalers of origin, for German flatware, hollowware and jewellery from many German producers, in Mexico City; and their German purchasing department was in Pforzheim, Baden.

The cutlery is the »F« pattern of the »WMF — Württembergische Metallwarenfabriken« in Geislingen, Württemberg. The blade of the knife isn’t in the original form — it’s especially made for the wholesaler, and mounted in Geislingen, or in Mexico City?

In this form of markings, the cutlery was marked between 1 April 1897 and 15 February 1903 — from that time on, the ‘punching department’ wasn’t allowed any more to struck the »stag«-sign. Because from that time on, all cutlery of the »WMF« was made only from a Nickel-Silver alloy of first quality - the »stag«-sign was before the latter date the indication, that for that cutlery item their first quality Nickel-Silver alloy was used.

The »WMF« cutlery pattern »F« was together with her similar pattern »E« (other knife haft pattern) introduced in 1883; production were stopped in 1914 (reason: First World War), and started again in 1919 as pattern »100«. But not with the knife haft pattern »F«.

For final I request you, please add the some where placed images to yours questions not only as a link — but as a visible image, please bigger as a “thumbnail”; and let them stay as long as ever possible.

That would help others too.

Thank you!

Kind regards silverport