Birmingham Anchor, Platinum or silver?

[robvan]

One of my silvermark books says that Birmingham anchors positioned on the side are indicative of platinum over silver. My marks in question, anchors are on a couple small folding MOP fruit knives and are on different sides for the years. Bottom facing leftside - 1863 "GU" George Unite- Bottom facing rightside -1877 "H & T" Hilliard & Thomasson, Marks as normal, letter, anchor, lion, head, and maker, Anyone know for sure? and any more history on the makers. Thanks in advance. - R.V.

[admin]

Interesting, can you tell us the book title?
Tom

[robvan]

A Collins hardcover pocket size guide, I believe it mentioned at the head of the Birmingham silver marks section. I also have a Miller's guide, but it it doesn't say much about platinum marks or the Birmingham laid flat anchor except the current marks and old gold, and that it wasn't necessary to mark platinum till late 1900's though some early pieces were. Not knowing the characteristics of platinum I have no idea how to test it except with chemicals of which I don't have nor want to acquire etc. In looking at a few items in the forum I see a few others with the same laid flat anchor, there must be some reason for it as opposed to the usual upright configuration and or the different directions.
For the most part my blades feel soft and just like an early 1900's Sheffield piece I have other than a little more marked up finish from age and use.

[admin]

Hi RV,
I've not been able to find anything on the subject in any of my references. In my opinion, I think it is unlikely that your pieces are platinum plated (unless done at a later date) or that the sideways anchor stamp indicates anything, at least on antique pieces.
Platinum did not come into use in Europe until the mid 19th century, as a plating material I'd guess that the time frame is much later.
I've handled many antique Birmingham sideways anchor stamped pieces that are heavily tarnished.
Platinum does not oxidize like silver, it is also much, much harder and more durable, so it will not scratch like silver and to wear through it takes a substantial amount of abuse.
Give these qualities, the patina of your pieces alone, without the need for chemical testing, should indicate platinum plate or no.
I don't have this Collins guide, would be great if you could give us the quote on sideways mark.
Regards, Tom

[Waylander]

Hello all

To shed some light on this debate, and I quote from Jacksons:

1/ Platinum marking were introduced from 1975 onwards only (after Statute of 1973).
2/ However, given it is platinum and not sterling silver, there is NO lion passant
3/ Instead, an "Orb and Cross" mark is used. to indicate platinum
4/ When the mark at 3/ is used, the anchor does lie on its side

Basic rule - if its pre 1975, or if you have a Lion Passant, it is not platinum

Waylander

[robvan]

Collins Gem Antique Marks, Anna Selby and the Diagram Group, HarperCollins Publishers, 2002 edition, (original 1994)
This book makes reference to the older gold and platinum marks and the orb mark mentioned in general for platinum with limited history similar to the info in the Miller's. Regarding Birmingham specific silver marks, Page 110, 2nd paragraph,

"The Mark of origin is an anchor (struck lying on it's side for gold and platinum) ..... with Lion passant.. sovereigns head...1784-1890."

The knifes in question have been owned for at least 4 years and I don't ever recall cleaning them till recently and the finish not coming up as bright as my Sheffield item, partially due to the rough or scratched finish on them. no signs of them being plated and the thinness of the blades likely ad to their lack of rigidness.
In reference to Tarnish, There not being any, nor any ever recalled on the two in question. They stored in a plastic zip-lock bag. The Sheffield item also not showing any or much tarnish In comparison to other silver and plate items I use or have out regularly that tarnished dark too quickly by my recollection for my willingness to polish them again. and these items not really needing it for the time they've been put away.
Another difference from the books and other guides is the sovereign head is a little short, The hair looking a bit more like a beret or hat as opposed to distinctive hair in other image references I've seen.
Thanks to all for your input.