Chamber stick candleholder

[daveanjen]

I recently purchased this auctions as a silver plate item, but when tested it turned out to be silver. I have not been able to find an example of the Maker's Mark anywhere and no one I have spoken to has any clue what it is. I am hoping someone on here can help me in any way.
Thanks

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

To me, it looks like the work and mark of Matthew Boulton, Soho Works, Birmingham.

How did you test it?

Trev.

[AG2012]

Hi,
``Sun`` marks belong to Matthew Boulton, Birmingham.
It`s silver plated (Old Sheffield plate), but there is long and famous history of Soho manufacture and Bolton family. Nice piece.
Take a look here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soho_Manufactory

Regards

[AG2012]

According to the data I have, the double sunburst belongs to Matthew Boulton and the acorn was the mark of his partner J. Waterhouse.
I`d date it around 1800.
(The conical extinguisher is missing)

[daveanjen]

I tested it with acid. And double checked it with a true piece of silver and a plated piece to make sure.

[dognose]

Acid testing is unreliable and destructive.

As AG2012 has pointed out, the chamberstick will be Old Sheffield Plate and you would permanently damage the piece attempting to get a positive result. The thickness of the silver is far greater with OSP than that applied with electro-plating.

See: http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate__OSP1.html

Trev.

[daveanjen]

Okay that makes sense. Thank you so much for your help.