Where is this hallmark from?

[Joerg]

Dear Forum members

Can you help my identifying the rectangular A2 hallmark? It is from a soup spoon, 52 gramm, from the style probably around 1840 to 1880. (I think closer to 1880). The spoon has only the two hallmarks from the picture. A French Export mark and the A2 mark.
I must mention, I have an identical spoon with the same engraving as this one. From the second spoon I assume it to be Belgian. So probably this spoon is also Belgian. The second spoon will be posted seperately.

Thank you

Jörg


http://abload.de/img/belgien1liu1k.jpg

[Ubaranda]

Hi Joerg!
I think you are right - it's Belgian. "A2" is unregistered Belgian silver hallmark. It was used in 1869-1942.

Best regards. Alex.

[oel]

Hi Joerg & Alex,


Yes, Belgian and perhaps not an unrecorded hallmark but a self applied standard mark by the Belgian silversmith/importer retailer. The Belgium marks renewal in 1869; the obligatory assay, marking and marking duty were abolished by law of June 5th 1868, effective on January 1st 1869. For the facultative assaying and marking a number of marks and standards of fineness were established. A single mark per object was considered sufficient. Maker’s marks were no longer obligatory and not registered. If no national hallmarking was desired, the maker/importer/retailer could use any self selected standard of fineness and indicate it the way he thought fit.

Oel.

[Joerg]

Dear Alex and Oel

thank you very much. So this mystery is solved.
Also thank you for the background Information about Belgian hallmarking rules.

Can I therefore assume that the second spoon I have with the same pattern and the same monogramm is also from Belgium?
See my other post: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=35060


Again, thank you

Jörg

[oel]

Dear Jörg,

Yes, I believe so for more info see:
http://www.ascasonline.org/ARTICOLONOVE69.html
Belgian silver marks by Martine D’Haeseleer.


Oel.