19th cent oval jewel chest?

[blueash]

This item is 12' wide 9" deep and 5' tall seemingly on a copper base with designs of cherubs, fruits, and animals. In addition to the original marks there have been etched new codes possibly from previous owners.

[silverport]

Hello blueash

In yours question to «925-1000» forum you mention that objects basic material is «seemingly on a copper base». In yours pictures lower right corner cooper is visible. Have you already made a magnetic proof? Iron sheet — I explicit don’t say “steel”! — are often used for this kind of tin products. Today they were lacquered. In past time it was usual to have a first galvanic layer in cooper — that’s maybe visible in object’s picture, its first galvanic layer? Gold coloured top layer isn’t maybe a galvanic but a lacquered one? Please let «925-1000» forum know result of magnetic proof.

Shown marks seem to me be «Pseudo Mark’s».

First mark should maybe suggest a Gorham date symbol?
Second mark should maybe suggest Gorham mark?
Third one should maybe suggest a Town Mark e.g. Minsk or Warsaw?
Fourth mark should maybe suggest an Assayer’s mark?

Numeral 2565 is maybe producer’s model number of series of similar tin’s?

In American form scratched numerals L3203, L4183, L6753 could maybe numerals of several inventories?

I guess that tin’s contents were a product in gift box - beloved by East European emigrants in America.

I've many doubts to state - as you: 19th century

For to get sounded information look detailed to:

http://www.925-1000.com/Gorham_Date_Code.html
http://www.925-1000.com/Frussia.html

Kind regards silverport

[blueash]

I have great appreciation for your reply. I tried a magnet on this item and it does not seem to be magnetic. I originally posted a photo of the entire object but apparently it was too large and was removed by the site administator. If you are interested it is at http://h.imagehost.org/view/0849/P8070752

My main interest is in trying to learn something about the origin of this piece using the marks. If they are in fact fakes that will certainly make it harder. I took your suggestion and reviewed the Gorham marks and while there is a little similarity they clearly are not Gorham just a similar font for the letter. The third mark is a double eagle most similar to that used in Russia, but also elsewhere.

[silverport]

Hello blueash

Thank you for the picture — it’s pity that it wasn’t shown before. Now interpretations could be more sounded.

Before I was wondering why numeral 2565 was punched as it is. Now I understand that yours oval box had in period of production a commercial value them selves — higher as normally a tin would have.

Well the box was galvanized only for time of purchase — but why only for such a short period. Commercials normally like indeed quick sale quick cash — but what would happen if this object is in stock for a while and tarnish? Maybe for protection contra tarnish there was outside — and inside too? — a protective lacquering?

Outside tarnish protection failed! Now there is a very impressive layer of verdigris; why not inside too. Objects past conditions must be humid — and lid enough tight?

I’ve some doubts that object primary destination was to be a jewels case.

Maybe lid’s «screen» and vertical body part’s itself could give some assistance of interpretation? I repeat yours primarily description: «with designs of cherubs, fruits, and animals» - like «Eden»?

Additionally there is a possibility to lock up — well that would be “normal” for jewels! Why galvanized only for time of sale — for only a very short period of representation?

Some questions — no answer?

Let’s now take again a look to marks:

1st mark could be a symbol. Or a minuscule letter — but in which language?

2nd mark is very similar to Gorham’s trademark — maybe that’s really a Gorham product?

3rd mark show a double head Imperial eagle — in Russia in general a symbol for a person or company who has got the permission to be an official Imperial court supplier. Has got Gorham this title before 1917?

4th mark would be a fake for a Russian town’s assay mark.

My advice now is: Take contact to Gorham — maybe their Public Relation Department and ask them on product number 2565 destination. Maybe there is somewhere in the States (Library of Congress) a product’s catalogue?

Kind regards silverport

[dragonflywink]

Does appear to appear to be worn silverplate on copper, though I don't recognize your marks, but would guess perhaps late 19th century British. There is no connection at all to Gorham.

~Cheryl

[blueash]

I appreciate the efforts and input. Perhaps for now this will remain a mystery item. I think the G mark differs significantly from the Gorham G.