C&N bookmark - silverplate?

[bookworm]

I have a small collection of bookmarks - hallmarked English, European silver, silver plate and either totally base metal or very worn silver plate. I have a couple which surprise me. They are both marked C&N with the word silver BUT I thought the C&N might be the maker's mark for Crisford & Norris, but would then have expected a lion, assay office mark and date mark. Can anyone identify the maker, material, country of origin or guess an age for this one? Thanks!!

[bookworm]

In the hope that someone can identify the maker, if not the material and age, here is a larger picture of the mark ... thanks for looking!







Bookworm

[admin]

Hi Bookworm,
What is the handle made of?
Tom

[bookworm]

The handle is a mottled green smooth stone - moss agate????

I have another with the same C&N SILVER mark with a mother of pearl handle in a more sword shape with a hilt. They actually do look like silver.

Bookworm

[admin]

New Zealand, at a guess.

[bookworm]

Thanks, for that. If it is from New Zealand, does that mean that Crisford and Norris imported/sponsored it .... or isn't it their maker's mark at all?

[admin]

Sorry, don't know whether it was made in England and exported or made in New Zealand by a local firm with the C & N initials.

Tom

[bookworm]

Thanks for the info Tom!

[bookworm]

An antiques dealer in Mayfair has kindly replied to my e-mail on the subject of C&N SILVER markings on a bookmark, and dating based on C&N's production years as follows:

Not all English silver has to be hallmarked. However in this case, I
think Crisford & Norris must have exported a fair amount of bookmarks,
as I have had quite a few without hallmarks but marked silver or
sterling which would have been quite adequate for sale in America.

I do not know of their exact dates of production, so the best way would
be find similar examples that have been hallmarked and give yours a
circa date.

Hopefully this may help others with a similar problem.

Regards Bookworm