Info requested on coin silver? fork - A.H. Pike

[porcupine]

This fork measures 7 5/8" and is marked with an impressed stamp that reads "A.H. Pike". I can't find a single piece of information on this manufacturer and, although the piece looks and feels like coin silver to me, I'm wondering whether or not it is. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[porcupine]

Following up on my original post, I finally purchased a silver acid test kit and tested these forks last night. They show a purity of around 75-80%, based on the color chart. Many of the resources I've checked say that "coin silver" must be .900 silver. Is .750-.800 common for coin silver?

[wev]

A. H. Pike was a well known jeweler in Kankakee IL. The photo, taken in 1877, shows him wearing a white coat and standing in the doorway of his shop in the Fair Building.

[porcupine]

wev - Thanks a million for the info. I live within 30 miles of Kankakee so this would make sense, considering I purchased the forks at the estate sale of a collector in the area.

So, was it common in the 1800's for jewelers to make their own flatware (or have it made with their name used as the maker's mark)?

[wev]

It would be quite unlikely that Pike manufactured any flatware on his own. It was common practice to buy goods from one of the numerous wholesale makers and either having it punched with your name at the factory or doing so yourself.

[porcupine]

Again, thanks for the info. I'm fairly new to coin silver but I find it fascinating.

There is a number "8" also stamped on each of the forks. Could this indicate .800 silver or is it possibly just a pattern number?

[wev]

Just the pattern or finish/type number. Your acid test is pretty much a waste of time and money. Besides being quite inaccurate, it really doesn't tell you anything about the actual makeup of the piece -- silverplate will often test the same as sterling because all it is reacting to is the surface it is drop on.

[porcupine]

I guess I figured that the acid test would be better than nothing. I did file down the top layer of silver on the back of one of the forks in a small area before testing and it appears that the forks are solid, not plated.

All said, considering the style, age and provenance of the forks, what would be your guess - coin silver or not?

[silverly]

I think it's fantastic that you were able to have your fork identified as something with a connection so close to home. My guess is that your fork is not solid silver. It is not something that I would ordinarily buy for myself, but if it was of local interest to me that might change my mind.

[porcupine]

Just the pattern or finish/type number. Your acid test is pretty much a waste of time and money. Besides being quite inaccurate, it really doesn't tell you anything about the actual makeup of the piece -- silverplate will often test the same as sterling because all it is reacting to is the surface it is drop on.

I appreciate your insight but I'm frustrated. If the acid test is useless, where do you go to have something like this tested by a reliable method?

[dognose]

Hi Porcupine,

Have a read of this thread: viewtopic.php?f=34&t=11330&p=25002

Trev.