German Silver Server? Any help would be much appreciated!! :

[vacation]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the community. Ijust wanted to start out by saying what a fabulous community you all have here!
I have had this old piece for years and have just now begun to explore its history. YOur site was VERY helpful.. thanks!
However, I am still unsure. I learned that it is probably German as it is marked with the 13 = 13/16 silver. The "N" as the first mark may be actually "R" for Rostock City Mark? Or??? The dotted third mark may be
Kassel City Mark. I Do not see anything that Will make me sure as the marks are close, but not exact.

[img][img]http://m1.freeshare.us/159fs653425_th.jpg[/img][/img]

I am therefor confused as to the age of the item. Is there any kind soul who wishes to help out. Mucho appreciated in advance!!

Have a fine day!

Best regards,

J
[img][img]http://m1.freeshare.us/159fs655673_th.jpg[/img][/img][/code]

[admin]

Hi & Welcome,
Your piece is from what is probably the most confusing genre (from the standpoint of hallmarks) of silver. That is actually a stylized "N" and it is the maker's mark of Ludwig Neresheimer of Hanau, Germany. The item was probably made in the early 20th century.
Hanau makers commonly made antique looking items and then marked them with pseudomarks resembling older looking European hallmarks.
if you search this forum for - Hanau - you'll find a lot of informative posts on the subject.
Regards, Tom

ps. You can see Neresheimer's mark onsite here, along with the more standardly used German marks at ->
http://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_marks_a1884_2.html

[vacation]

Thank You for your kind Reply. In looking up pseudo Marks it is interesting to see that so many finds are not actually really old antiques but have pseudo marks. This company must have done quite well to have established so many pieces!!!! It is still surely a beautiful piece no matter the age.

Please advise if the 13 mark is generally true, that it is really 13/16th silver. Again thanks for your time and knowledge.

Best regards,

Jean

[admin]

In my limited experience with this maker, I've seen pieces marked from .800 on up to.925 - on pieces they exported to England. They were a large concern with export ties across Europe and probably into the U.S., having too much to lose, I seriously doubt they would have messed about with misrepresenting silver quality.

Tom

[vacation]

Again, Thaks for the kind reply. Much appreciated. I would imagin that you are right, that is not something you want to mess with if you wish to stay in business. Thanks agin

J