Face of a man, mustache

[sebastian4743]

I do not know were to start. I was told the cutlery is old, might be from the 18th century... There are two marks. One of them is a face of man in a mustache?

[Joerg]

Hi, this is Geneva, Switzerland, 19th century.
Later, once I have access to the books, I may be able to name the maker.
Regardds
Jörg

[sebastian4743]

Thank you Jörg! I am happy you have recognized this mark. The maker mark seems to be AL so maybe Antoine-Alexis Latour (1756-1837)?

And one more thing - what was the silver standard (purity) used within this mark? Any info on that?

Thanks again!

[Joerg]

Hi Sebastian
The marking system in Geneva from 1815 to 1881 was as follows:
1st standard (950) an eagle head
2nd standard (875) a horse head
3rd standard (800) a lions head.
Your man with mustache is a lion's head, there should be a small 3 on top of it. Finess 800.
It looks your two items have different makers? Do I see a I.A. and a A L?
There was an Jsaac Amaron (1780 - 1850) and an Antoine-Alexis Latour (1756 - 1837)
You may be safe attributing your items to them.
Regards

Jörg
(Source - as always - Weltliches Silber 2)

[sebastian4743]

Thank you Jörg! Absolutely love your informative reply! I was laughing when I understood my mistake with the lions head mark :)