Jensen/LaPaglia Holloware unidentified mark - solved!

[baronessofbling]

That mark was used by Hamilton Silver Co. on wares produced in the Jensen style during the 1940s. See Rago Arts and Auction Center lot 1572 in the Jewelry/Silver Sale, December 5th 2010, for reference. The typical Lotus pattern, retailed by Macy's, spot hammered #64, smooth #65

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Many thanks for posting this information. I presume you are refering to this mark:

Can you tell us how this conclusion was reached and do you have any detail regarding the Hamilton Silver Co.?

Regards Trev.

[dragonflywink]

According to Rago's description, "Note: This information was provided by the daughter of Francis Nelson, silver buyer for Macy's during the 1940"s.". The site only shows a picture of the 4 piece coffee service, a clear knock-off of Jensen's 1905 design #2 Blossom tea service, and no description of the mark, though there seems no real reason to doubt the attribution - fits in with other bits of information (please see Tom's note shown on the 2nd Hamilton mark): http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_H.html Given the specificity of their information, perhaps they have definitive proof from the lady referenced, and might share it.....

I've seen the Hamilton Silver Co. and Hamilton marks on numerous sterling pieces over the years, usually typical bland mid-20th century holloware, often with weighted bases. Those marks have generally been attributed to Hamilton Silver Mfg. Co. of New York, founded circa 1900 and acquired in 1912 by Benedict Mfg. Co. of East Syracuse, NY, but that's always struck me as unlikely, believe that these pieces were made by a company active in the late 1940s-early '50s called Hamilton Silver Co, Inc., located at 5 E. 16th St., New York. NY. I have a melon-form sugar and creamer with the "H" mark, interestingly appearing to have the same hollow handles as those found on the very common "Hamilton" weighted base sugar & creamer sets - sugar bowl like mine shown here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18630&p=42297#p42297

~Cheryl