German Tea Set marked Sterling Silver 925 Handarbeit

[Adam.NYC]

My friend showed me this tea set that has been in her family for a while and which they believed to be sterling silver. All the pieces are marked as shown below: Sterling Silver 925 Handarbeit. But in my examination, there is no way that this is sterling silver. It is clearly plated as seen on the edge of the tray (plating wearing off). Why would something be marked this way? The only maker's mark I can find is on the burner: MK. I am thinking this is old (19th Century) due to the ivory in the handle but these marks have me baffled. Any ideas? I've seen this topic before but thought maybe there was new info about this. Thanks!

[Joerg]

Hi
I am not that sure on plated. I think this is oxidation. I suggest you clean the tray, using silver polish.
Regards
Jörg

[Adam.NYC]

Thanks for looking. It just has the feel of plated silver. It is very heavy, for one. The photo I show is not oxidation but a definite wearing of the silver plate. Could this be a complete fake since it doesn't have any of the traditional marks for German silver?

[Joerg]

Handarbeit, German for hand made, indicates an origin in a German speaking country. I would guess, Germany. Let us assume it is made in Hanau. 925 finess and explicit Mark Sterling Silver indicate it is made for export, let us assume after the war for export to USA. All markings are there to make it fit for export. No need for crown and sickle, this would be needed for the local market. I do not think this is a complete fake. I still have faith in the 925.
Wheight and feeling of the material are normally misleading. I still suggest you clean the tray, if you prove me wrong, I admit failure. But please clean.
Regards
Jörg

[Adam.NYC]

Thank you. I will clean it and show results!

[dognose]

Hi Adam,

Is the tray marked in the same way? It was quite common with such sets for the tray to be plated whereas the rest was silver.

Trev.

[Adam.NYC]

Yes, the tray is marked the same way except for the initials MK.

[Adam.NYC]

Well, I am totally surprised but that was oxidation and it did come off! The tray alone weighs 4 lbs. 12 oz. I am truly shocked that this set is completely sterling silver. My friend will be thrilled! Any way to date it? Thanks again!

[Bahner]

Hallo, have seen marke like these on pieces imported from Asia to Germany post WW II. My guess would be 1960ies to 1980ies, probably closer to the 1980ies. If this was a German product made for export they would not have used German words like Handarbeit for marks. Best wishes, Bahner

[Adam.NYC]

Thank you!