Unidentified plated object... perhaps a vase?

[convivialdingo]

Trying to identify this silver plated object. Some people say it's a vase, others say it is a gravy server. I think the mark is G.S.co 400, though the G may be something else?

One of the handles is missing, there should be two.

Thank you for your help!

The object:


The mark:

[convivialdingo]

If anyone could direct me to anything on this I'd appreciate it - as I know nothing of silver.

Would it be right to guess that the 400 would be a percentage of silver content by weight? Is this American silver? The only thing I can guess is that it is likely late Egyptian revival era (1920's?), and likely American based on my family's ownership records.

Thank you again!

[Hose_dk]

I have not responded due to the fact that I have no idea.
This much I can say - 400 is proberly a product number and has nothing to do with any silver.
The gothic letters are typical for plated ware.
Plated would be a base material - on top a micro thin layer of silver. So thin that it is not worth anything as silver.
The symbol could very well be inspired by Egypt.
Sorry but that is all I can contribute with.

[convivialdingo]

I appreciate it, thanks for trying! I guess I'll have it checked by someone in person.

[davidross]

I think the mark is H. S. Co and that one need look no further than the Silverplate Marks section of this site to make a positive identification:

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

Hartford Sterling Company used different marks, sometimes merely these initials and sometimes also incorporating a faux coat-of-arms.

Despite the company's name, the piece in question is not sterling, of course.

It looks to me like a purely decorative piece or perhaps a vase. It probably was one of a pair, which would be perfect on the ends of a mantle or sideboard. Most likely dates to the 1920s-1930s, as the OP states.

Regards,
DR

[convivialdingo]

Thank you very much davidross, you've made my day! I've read a lot of Old German and Old English, and that "H" really threw me for a loop. I've been searching through the site under G, S, and E.

Have a fantastic day!

[davidross]

You are very welcome. Happy to be able to help solve a relatively easy puzzle.

Why not give this piece of you family's history a light cleaning and continue to enjoy it.

Cheers
David