www.925-1000.com

Pls see attached photo. Can't make out makers mark...appears to be CE but that does not fit any of the marks I see listed. Then comes lions head facing left, monarch holding trident, then date of "o"...any help would be appreciated. Photo shown is cream pitcher for set of 5 tea service.



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Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Not sure of the maker but the Hallmarks are for the Britannia standard (958/1000) London 1909.

Trev.
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Hi Trev-

I am not doubting you here, but does not the lions head in profile mean prior to 1785 duty marks? I do not believe that this item was made that long ago, I am just a little confused is all. See Duty Marks:

http://www.925-1000.com/british_marks.html

Regards- Byron
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Hi

The makers mark looks like Charles Edwards, 1878 - 1920, this mark entered 1877.

The photo is not all that clear, so l cannot be 100%

Nigel
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Hi Byron,

In a nutshell, the Britannia standard was introduced in 1697 the reasons being that during the civil war much plate had been melted down to fund the activities of both sides. As things returned to normality people began to replace their lost silver, supply of the raw material could not keep up with the demand and so great quanities of coin was used. To prevent this misuse the government raised the standard required from 925/1000 to 958/1000, all silversmiths had to re-register with new punches and new hallmarks used. The Lions Head Erased replaced the Crowned Leopard and the seated figure of Britannia replaced the Lion Passant.
The new standard was only compulsory for twenty-three years and the old standard restored in 1720.
Many silversmiths including the great Paul de Lamerie prefered working in the softer Britannia standard and successfully petitioned for both standards to be allowed as they are to this day.

Regards Trev.
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