Meat fork, need help with date and maker

[larkin]

http://sv1.letmehost.com/img.php?file=s ... k_copy.jpg

Can anyone help me with these hallmarks? I believe the piece is British and I would love to know the story behind it, although I would be satisfied to start with the hallmarks and their meanings.

The fork is about 7.875 inches long, has an anchor with arabic script on one side along with an inscription "MET to MCK June 6, [19]05". The inscription is to my great-grandmother on the occassion of her marriage. I know little about silver, but I believe this is plate.

Thank you for any help you can give me!

[georgiansilver]

Correct! It is silver plate made by Elkington and Co around the turn of the century (c1900) Best wishes, MIke.

[larkin]

Thanks Mike for the identity of the maker.

According to this website:

http://www.silvercollection.it/Elkington.html

the "M" (for Mason) was dropped in 1865. I clearly have "E M &Co A" in a line under the makers mark. If I understand the above site, "A" would be for 1865 or 1886 but by 1886 the mark was no longer "E M &Co" but just "E &Co" with the name Elkington & Co spelled out. In addition, the frame around the "A" on my fork looks just like the 1865 frame.

Can anyone clear up the date issue?