Aaron Hadfield - help with marks

[goldmaxx]

Hi all

I bumped into this 12 piece fork and knife set a while ago.
I already found it out to be Aaron Hadfield to be the silver smith.
There are some letters in the knife blade and fork tines which I don't know what they mean. (silver plate blade and tines, sterling handles)
Can someone tell me what the J and H stand for?
I am still quiet new into this, so forgive for asking stupid questions.

Are these knives and forks wanted by collectors?

With kind regards

Robbie
Belgium

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/408999_10150536351109636_818154635_8680625_1406363176_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408999_10150536351049636_818154635_8680623_942678702_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/408999_10150536351094636_818154635_8680624_887983671_n.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[dognose]

Hi Robbie,

Welcome to the Forum.

As yet we have no answer, but hopefully your post will prompt some ideas.

See: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=16341&p=36766

Trev.

[larkfield]

Hi.
I believe the mark A H * J H is the electroplate mark for Aaron Hatfield and Sons.
Whether Hatfield and Hadfield is the same sponsor I do not know.
What is the mark on the Handles ? A full set of Sheffield sterling marks?

[burnisherboy]

These are his Close Plate marks registered in 1808. I have always thought that the J H was a relative in a partnership but so far not sure who. Burnisherboy

[dognose]

Hi Burnisherboy,

Do you think it's possible that 'JH' may be John Hand, and the appearance of his initials is a recognition of his patent method of close plating?

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=12627

Trev.

[burnisherboy]

Hallo Trev, Of course! Having suggested the initials in a previous post I cannot believe I missed the obvious connection. This would indeed tie in with the 14 year patent of John Hand, however if the handles have a date letter later than 1808 then other possibilities may emerge including the use of old stock. It would be nice to see if there are any more blades with I H in addition to the known maker, here's hoping! Burnisherboy.