Need Maker, Sheffield Ice Water Pitcher, 1876

[mrsrockefeller]

Hello, just discovered this forum the other day.

I need help in identifying the maker on this English ice water pitcher.

The other four marks are:

[lion: sterling]
[crown: Sheffield]
[sans-serif capital J in box with squared-off corners: 1876]
[duty mark of queen's head: used 1844 to 1890, so fits with date letter]

Inscription in elaborate art nouveau cartouche has intertwined monogram with letters D, E and U, and "Aug. 14th 1879" (this also jives with the time period of the date letter and duty mark).

Here are some photos:





Thanks.

[2209patrick]

Welcome to the forum.
Roberts & Belk (Samuel Roberts & Charles Belk).
Have seen the mark with and without the pellet.



Samuel Roberts retired on July 1 1879. On July 17 1879 a new mark (CB over EP) was entered at Sheffield.
CB over EP represents Charles Belk and E. Parkin.

Pat.

[nigel le sueur]

what a fantastic looking item, the engraving is superb

Nigel

[mrsrockefeller]

Thank you for your help 2209patrick in identifying the maker.

Yes, I also thought the engraving was superb. I also liked the inscription.

I frankly don't understand why many sellers of silver devalue pieces with monograms and/or inscriptions, or even (egad!) remove them. The old monograms were, with some exceptions, beautifully done, and also give provenance to a piece.

And while I have everyone's ear, I would like to make another comment. I am seeing a huge number of pieces these days, on eBay and elsewhere, that have been machine polished, have been "dipped" or have had monogram removal. I'm sure that everyone who belongs to this forum knows that machine polishing grinds away at the pattern, and that "dipping" (using fork tine dip) ruins the oxidation around repoussed patterns. And of course monogram removal is the worst of all, leaving an ugly divot and weakening the piece structurally.

Then, added to this is the fact that silver has increased in price. Now I am seeing beautiful pieces on eBay labeled "scrap". People are dumping their family silver just to cash in on this market spike.

I am convinced that antique silver in pristine condition is an endangered species. This, to me, is very sad, because American and European silver of the day was really a form of art, and it is all being ruined.

[2209patrick]

You are welcome Mrs. Rockeller, glad I could help.

Must echo Nigel's sentiments. That is an impressive piece.

The majority of the members here would agree 100% with you on preserving antique silver.
I would only add that we are not only losing important art, but also pieces of our history.
Maybe, in a small way, forums like this can increase awareness of the problem.

Pat.