Old Sheffield Plate Biscuit Jar by Roberts, Cadman BUT

[Adam.NYC]

I have had this a while and I intend to keep it forever, but I am curious about something. I had assumed this was Old Sheffield plate and have identified the bell mark as Roberts, Cadman & Company or later incarnations of this company (Roberts, Smith and Company or Smith, Sissons and Company).

In Rainwater (5th Edition) it claims that the bell was used on sterling. Is that wrong? Can anyone date this by the details shown? Thanks!

Adam

[2209patrick]

I think if it were sterling silver it would have the British lion passant, date letter and town mark also. My silverplate book does show a similar mark used by them for fused plate (1828) and electroplate (1848). I can't see much difference between them. Maybe someone with more experience with Old Sheffield Plate can help us out.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3715 ... 002ge6.jpg

Regards,
Pat.

[Adam.NYC]

Thanks, Pat.

I realize it doesn't have any sterling marks and that's why I am questioning the Rainwater book.

I am wondering if it's OSP or electroplated? I am sure someone will come along! Thanks for looking!

Adam

[siggy1]

If your mark it is indeed one of these four bells as Pat has referenced, looks to me like it is most likely the Smith, Sissons & Co., Sheffield 1848. Note the angular, or pointed, mid-section contour of the bell (like your mark) versus the rounded mid-section contour of the Roberts, Smith & Co. Sheffield 1828.

Siggy

[Adam.NYC]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner; I was away. I agree that it looks like the Smith, Sissons mark. Would that make it OSP or just silver plated?

Adam