Old Coin Silver Cup - Numerous Repairs-Single Mark

[pauline5555]

Have an old coin silver cup that I believe is American. It has had many repairs and even a silver patch on the outside. The only mark on the cup is at the bottom and resembles a fleur-de-lis. Any help with age and maker would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Pauline

http://i39.tinypic.com/72btad.jpg
http://i40.tinypic.com/2mg2mvq.jpg
.

[silverly]

I wish I could help you with this mark. This trident may be a journeyman's mark. I suppose it was enough of a mark for the master to know whose work it was and no one needed to know beyond that.

Also, from my limited knowledge of this subject, I'd say your mark served to decorate the ping that was done in the center of the piece of plate that the cup was made from while it was being raised or polished or both.