Possible celtic silver?

[Margo Weathers]

I inherited an entire silver set and need help identifying it. The mark is as follows: RP then an uncrowned standing lion, a "V" shaped crest and then what looks like either a sideways "Y" or "S" script. The marks are very small and it's difficult to tell what the inset of the crest is because it's so tiny and worn away. I know it's very old & the 'story' is that my ancestors brought it here from Scotland/Ireland. (Could just be a story though.) The holloware pieces and the flatware are ornate filigree. The filigree resembles celtic design. Help!

[paulh]

Could the V shaped crest be a thistle? Try comparing the mark to Edinburgh marks, it might take you a step forward.

Paul

[Margo Weathers]

I've checked every mark from here to kingdom come and haven't found a match yet. The marks are very worn and it's difficult to tell exactly what is inset on the crest but as best I can tell it more closely resembles the Chester marks. I've done more research and I think the "RP" could possibly be Robert Pringle & Sons, Chester England. The sideway "Y" or "S" throws this off though because I checked the Robert Pringle's marks for the year and I can't find any sideways marks used by RP. Thank you for your assistance; it is most appreciated.

[paulh]

Hello Margot,

Is this a set of flatware or a tea set? Is the lion standing on three feet with a paw raised (passant) This would be English or is it standing up on its hind legs (rampant) which would be Scottish.

A picture would be really useful at this stage.

Paul.

[Margo Weathers]

Greetings,
Unfortunately I presently do not have the capability to post a pic. The lion is the former that you mentioned in your email so it must be English. I have the complete set- the tea/coffee set w/tray, strainers w/bone handles, tea cookie trays, small sandwich trays, egg cups, demitasse spoons & flatware in a solid handcarved walnut case. The 'story' is that one of my anscestors was a chamber maid to Mary Queen of Scot, blah, blah, and the items were handed down and eventually made their way here in the mid 1800's. Probably just a story one of my anscestors made up after drinking too much ale!

[paulh]

Hello Margot,

Nice story about Mary Queen of Scots, but I don't think she would have recognised a tea and coffee set in the 16th century. There have been a number of Queens called Mary in a time when these pieces might have been used. The last one being the wife of George V who was on the throne from 1911 until 1936.