Identifying Birks Ware is Either Sterling or Plate

[annieleds]

Hello. I am wondering if anyone could help me identify if these Birks items are sterling silver or silver plate? I have researched most of the Birks marks but have not been unable to find any information regarding this single lion mark. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thank You!

http://imgur.com/gallery/T9T1f/new

[davidross]

I have seen hundreds of pieces of Birks, but I am unfamiliar with the seated lion mark.

Birks was meticulous about marking its sterling pieces as "sterling." If the creamer and sugar have no other marks than "BIRKS" with the seated lion mark, it would be highly unlikely that they are sterling and presumably are silverplate.

Of course, if you want a definitive answer, they can be tested for metal content.

Regards,
DR

[SteveDWollongong]

Hi,

I believe you have a Sphinx mark rather than seated lion. I have seen this exact mark (plus several other sphinx marks) attributed to silver plate manufactured by John Batt & Co of Sheffield. In particular, there is a dish for sale on eBay now that has this mark plus the words "Sheffield Reproduction" .

If you read the following article on the history of the Birk business you will find towards the bottom, that Birks actively purchased items from other countries to resell in their retail outlets.

http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=19623



Steve

[davidross]

I have no dog, or lion, or sphinx in this fight, but there's an old thread that attributes the mark to either John Batt or Josephy Sankey and Son:

viewtopic.php?t=10555

I leave it to others to make a final determination.