Please can you help identify?

[Debsielee]

Hello
Please can you help me Identify these markings? I would like to know as much about this product and the markings as possible.




Thank you
Debbie

[dognose]

Hi Debbie,

Welcome to the Forum.

I don't want to raise your hopes too high, but I suspect you may have a rare piece of early Australian silverware made for the New Zealand market.

Do the above thoughts fit into your location, or the spoon's history in any way?

Trev.

[Debsielee]

Hello Trev
Thank you, Unfortunately I don't know anything about it, it belonged to my Gran who passed away last year. We live in South Africa but she did collect spoons etc from around the world, this may even have belonged to her Mother. Is there any way I can find out any more about this item?

[dognose]

Hi Debbie,

I, and I'm sure others, will continue to research this interesting piece.

A couple of extra images of the mark may be of assistance.

Trev.

[Debsielee]

Hi Trev

Thank you very much, I would appreciate any help I can get, here are some more pics hopefully they are helpful.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9249511/006.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9249511/008.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/9249511/009.jpg

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

[bstaunto]

Hi there,

It looks like it could be by Frank Grady (and Sons), a silversmith in Wellington NZ. He used an anchor, lion and crown stamp (although I haven't seen all three on the same piece and usually it was stamped St.Silver and F.G as well). His business ran from 1880 til about 1922.

I got this info from Gold & Silversmithing in Nineteenth & Twentieth Century New Zealand by W. Shepherd.

A nice piece!

Ben

[Debsielee]

Hello Ben

Thank you for the info, I do appreciate everyone looking for info on this piece that I have.

[dognose]

Some Information on Frank Grady:

Grady, Frank, Jeweller, Willis Street, Wellington.

Telephone: 380. Bankers: Bank of New Zealand. Private residence: Woolcombe Street.

This business was established in 1880, and in 1895 Mr. Grady moved into his present fine premises, which are handsomely fitted, and lighted throughout with electric light. The building is of two stories, built of brick, wood, and iron, Five hands are employed on the premises. Mr. Grady is a large importer of jewellery.

Source: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District] - Cyclopedia Company Limited - 1897

See: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=27039

Trev.