Identifying the origin of this silverware

[ctann]

Hi all,

I am researching a set of silverware I was given as a wedding pressent. It is a boxed set of forks, large spoons, small spoons, and a ladle. I found it odd that there would be a boxed silverware set with no knives! The box is marked "Gabriel Gay, Grenoble". The person who purchased the set (in France) was told that it is "from the 20's".

The Maker's Mark is "F A M". There is a hallmark with 84G marked on it, and a shape over that, but can't make out what that is.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/147 ... 99d3_o.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1440/147 ... 720f_b.jpg
(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )
A little research I did on Gabriel Gay showed a makers mark of "GAG" - so perhaps the box is not original for the silverware? Any clues as to maker and rough date would be very welcome.

Thanks,
Chrs.

[ctann]

Well, someone took the time to move my question to the "Silverplate" forum, but didn't give me any more information. How can I tell if my piece is really silver plate? It certainly doesn't look like plate to my (extremely untrained) eye.

From the information I have found, the "84" could refer to the plate thickness, or the department of France it was made in (84 - Vaucluse), or a misplaced Russian "84" indicating 875 purity. So, how can I determine which is right? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is not the "silver-plate" option...

Thanks,
Chris.

[Hose_dk]

I dont know the mark but I read it as SFAM

[ctann]

Brilliant! Shows what a second pair of eyes can do...

So, I think it is quite probably: "Societe Francaise d'Alliages et de Metaux".

Silver plate, with a plating of 84 grams per 12 pieces, which apparently works out to 30 microns.

Thanks,
Chris.

[micadee0109]

French flatware services generally did not contain knives for a number of reasons. First, many services were given as wedding gifts and, in France, it was considered bad luck to give knives to a bride. Also, silversmiths did not make forks, spoons AND knives. Silversmiths making flatware services made forks and spoons while cutlery items were made by those specializing in knifemaking. For a maker of forks and spoons to make knives to go along with them would have meant an intrusion into the jealously guarded province of knifemakers. Until well into the twentieth century, it just wasn't done.

If you wanted a flatware service of knives, forks and spoons, you would have bought a flatware service of forks and spoons in a pattern you liked, and then you would have bought a set of knives that complemented the forks and spoons. Pearl handled knives were (and still are) popular because they complement many of the old patterns.

Michael

[ctann]

Thanks for the great explanation Michael! I already did just as you suggested, and purchased a set of Laguiole knives (not the pearl-handled ones though) to round out the set...

Cheers,

Chris.

[dognose]

The flatware company that were formerly styled 'SFAM' are still in business, they are now styled 'CHAMBLY'





Trev.