need help identifying a British silverplate mark

[bbcphd]

Hi there, I have a piece marked EP on one side of an image, and BM on the other side. The image is 3 stars set inside a shamrock pattern. Below that is says Made in England, and below that an R. Does anybody know what company used that 3 star in a shamrock hallmark??? thanks so much.

[2209patrick]

Believe that mark was used by Barker Brothers of Birmingham.

Check here:
http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_B.html

Pat.

[bbcphd]

Dear Pat,

You are exactly right, now that I took a close look at the image. Three stars in a clover leaf. According to the hallmark listings, it says that Barker Bros merged and became Ellis-Barker Silver co in 1931. Does that mean the piece I have dates to some time before 1931???

thanks so much for your expertise!

Bonnie

[2209patrick]

Hi Bonnie.
The Barker Brothers Silver Company has a complicated and confusing history.
During the first half of the 20th century they took over several companies. Salaman & Levi, Ellis & Company and the Potosi Silver Company just to name a few. They often continued to use some of the trademarks of the old companies.
Even though they were at one time the second largest silverplate manufacturer in Birmingham England ( behind Elkington), I can't find much information on their silverplate marks.

My hunch is some of the old marks were used after they became Ellis-Barker.
Best I could say is that your mark dates to the first half of the 20th century.

Pat.

[bbcphd]

Pat,

It is so helpful to have someone so knowledgable about these things. thank you very much!

Bonnie