www.925-1000.com

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

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.

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

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)

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

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.

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