Martin, Hall & Co 4 Piece Christening Set

[Lucinda]

I am in possession of my later Father in Laws' Christening Set. It was given to him in 1916 and the mug is engraved "VFH from NS"
However, a little investigation shows that the set dates from 1860 and the maker is Martin, Hall & Co. On close inspection the plate where the engraving is appears to be a cover - ie. it was already engraved before.

Does anyone have any idea how I can find out a little more about this set and whether it is possible to find out what is underneath the "new" engraving?



Thanks for any help!!
Lucinda
.

[Hose_dk]

VHf your father in law is where to begin. Search for NS in the family. Could be sister or brother to VHFs parents.
It is very likely that NS is "close related" to VHF ie uncle or aunt (as I assume that if it be father or mother you would know, and they would write different)
NS might very well be the priveus owner. Ie ex an aunt who received this at christening. Can you identify anything of the old engraving?

Also look at location where did VHF live at christening?
And maker where and when is he located.
You are in for a research in family history.
It nice when you succed - but its a job.
.

[Lucinda]

Thanks for the reply!!
Already done all the family history stuff and drawn a complete blank. Well not complete but odd.
Yes VFH is my father in law - he came from a very poor family - his mother was in service before she married and the only NS we have been able to trace is one of the daughters of the 'Big House' where we think his mother may have been a servant.
However, there is no rhyme nor reason as to why such a luxurious gift should have been given.

The previous engraving is completely covered so no clues there.
Also the NS I found was present in the 1901 census and then disappeared into the mist.
.

[Hose_dk]

you have (most likely) already solved the mystery. It is very likely that it is a gifth from the "big house"
Not uncommon to do so. I have a sewing table given to my mother from a place where she worked, and I also have some spoons that she received from another family.
The spoons - the lady of the house did not like them, her jusband did very much. They ended as a gift from the lady to my mother - so the husband had nothing to say in that matter. A gift could not be taken back. So she got rid of them in an sofisticated way.
.