Dutch Silver Biscuit Box

[joho]

I have a Dutch silver biscuit box, but am a little suspicious of the makers marks. They look fine for Amsterdam 1794, makers mark for Jan Middelhuysen (Elias Voet). However I see that Citroen notes a similar mark as a potentially false mark. Is there any way of telling whether this is a genuine mark or a false mark. Also, there are two letters stamped. I presume the K is the date letter, but there is also a small L stamped - any idea what this mark is? The decoration on the sides of the box look to date from late 18th century with beaded edges and some understated light bright cut engraving. Unfortunately it looks like the cover has been later engraved, presumably to make it more fashionable. Would be grateful for any help. Thanks John

[oel]

Hi Joho,

Citroen is right; may be all bogus marks; the date letter L or perhaps tax mark (smaller sized) for 1795 should look like;

An example for Amsterdam tax paid during the year of 1795

From left to right:
Amsterdam date letter D for 1788; Amsterdam city guild mark (upside down); Small sized letter L, tax paid mark for Amsterdam punched in 1795; Crowned V for large items; duty mark.

Te date leter K should look like;
The Guild mark for the city of Amsterdam; looks like a dual punch mark used in Amsterdam for the designation of silver fineness of 2nd Standard. However the lion rampant indicates silver of 1 st standard, again perhaps a nice bunch of fake marks only to deceive the ignorant buyer?

Jan H. Middelhuysen 1778-1807; two known maker’s mark MH and M(dot)H. Citroen notes M(dot)H this mark can also be encountered as a falsification.
The Dutch lion rampant on your box does not really help to confirm right or wrong.

I found another set of marks with the maker’s mark of Jan Middelhuysen ; those look a little stronger but….



Perhaps you should consult some real reliable experts and ask their opinion.


Best,

Oel

[joho]

Hi Oel - Many thanks for your comments. Yes I was suspicious and you have confirmed this. Fortunately it was sold to me as a "silver box" without pretending to be anything else, at less than its bullion value. Surprisingly it is made from high grade silver - tested to at least 925 - the only good thing about it!!!

I have another biscuit box you may be willing to help me on. I will post it in a new topic .

Best regards
John

[zilverik]

Hi,

Your box looks good.
I agree with oel to consult an expert with your box. For me the L looks very much as the dateletter 1795. The townmark looks good to me. The lion does not really help. An expert has to see it.

Regards,

Zilverik