Maker ID Request: Symbol - Dividers

[salmoned]

Has this maker's mark been identified? Thanks for the help.

[Bahner]

Hello, maker is Fr. Vetterlein from Döbeln, Saxony. A small workshop, nothing else is known about it. Best wishes, Bahner

[salmoned]

Much appreciated. I have to admit, I bought this spoon because I liked the mark ;) If admin wishes to add it to the list, please do so.

[admin]

Hi Salmoned,
Would love to add it to the site, do you have a larger image of the mark?
Thanks, Tom

[salmoned]

I will post a better photo in a week or two when I receive the item.

I found a reference that calls this symbol 'Zange mit Schraube' or 'Pliers (tongs) with screw'. Is this a device to hold a piece while working on it? I also found an advertisement (1904) for Fr. Vetterlein showing he produced handmade spoons, forks, knives, 'heber' (?) and sugar tongs in smooth, engraved, thread and oxidized patterns.

[admin]

Hi Salmoned,
The instrument is a pair of dividers, a layout & measuring tool similar to a caliper, much like a compass without a pencil.
Regards, Tom
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/10101 ... Image-Bank

ps. just noticed the "dividers" in your subject title, you had it right from the first!

[silverport]

Hello

Maker's mark is a tool (divider with individually fixed position of compass points) used by mechanics (e.g. tin and die maker) to make a visible and precise circle on a surface - most times on tin or other metal.

In a compendium (1903, p.38, nr. 999 and advertising p. 68a - silver factories) is mention:

Vetterlein, Fr., Döbeln, Salzgraben 1, ([founded] 1861), Inh. [owner] Frdr. Oswald Vetterlein. Silberwaren-Fabrik [silver articles factory] Silberne Bestecke in gepressten, gravierten und glatten Mustern. [Silver cutlery in embossed, engraved and even pattern]

Advertising, p. 68a:
FR.VETTERLEIN
(Gegründet 1861) Silberwaren-Fabrik
Döbeln in Sachsen
========================
Bestecks:
Gepresst, graviert und glatt
in sauberster Ausführung
[of well done execution]

Kind regards silverport

[silverport]

Hello

In mentioned compendium (p. 195) «Verkaufsgeschäfte» (retailer) is Fr. Vetterlein one of four retailer in Döbeln (Kgr. Sachsen) 17,700 inhabitants.

Johnsen, Joh.
Gaudich, M.
Köberlin, Gebr.
Vetterlein, Fr.

G.BORMANN was one from eleven retailer in Chemnitz (Kgr. Sachsen) 206,900 inhabitants.

Bormann, Georg, Brückenstr. 38 (Bridge Street 38)

Kind regards silverport

[salmoned]

Thanks all, for confirming my first impression on what the symbol represents. The founding date is another key datum and the G. Bormann retailer information of interest, too.

[salmoned]

Here are my best shots:

[admin]

Terrific, thanks!