www.925-1000.com

Hello, I have acquired a good number of sterling and sp pieces. I have been looking on this wonderful site and have had luck with some pieces, but I cannot find the mark on this sterling compote. I am thinking it is an American piece. It is 6 inches high and 5 5/8 inches across the top. If anyone knows the pattern, date of manufacture and maker/origin, it would be very much appreciated.

Hello,

The thumbnail you included among the 3 photos collaged together looks like it has the maker's mark, date, etc., but is too blurry for me to read ... I think you'd have better luck here if you could furnish a better shot of that particular area...

:0)

Thank you for responding. Try this one. Maybe the mark will be clearer. I am having a heck of a time photographing the mark because of the glare. It reads: STERLING MFH (the MFH is within a cone shaped mark, with three slashes between the wider end) WEIGHTED 516.

Hello,

I've checked all the sources where I know to look and haven't seen anything like this maker's mark, but I think it's safe to say it's American, since it has "sterling" and not a lion, etc.

There are so many people on these forums far more knowledgeable than I am, perhaps one of them will know, but I thought I would give it a shot.

Sincerely,
Susan

Susan, Thank you so much for trying. I do not know much at all about silver and the marks, so was hoping someone on here could give me some knowledge about this piece. I have had some luck finding some of the pieces I have. I am thinking maybe I should just invest in a book on marks, but who knows, someone may have the answer. Peggy

Hi,
This exact mark is, as far as I know, not documented in any reference books.
However, it is almost assuredly a mark of the M. Fred Hirsch Company, they specialized in similar light, spun & weighted sterling ware and have a very similar mark shown in Rainwater's encyclopedia.
Regards, Tom

ps. for some of Hirsch's other marks, see ->
American Marks 5

A big "THANKS" for your help, Tom. Peggy