Need Help Understanding Markings on This Box

[tzarevich]

Could you educate me on what this all means?? I believe the box to be German, correct?

http://gothamcigarmuseum.com/uploads/2/7/9/8/2798286/1362243_orig.jpg
http://gothamcigarmuseum.com/uploads/2/7/9/8/2798286/1976956_orig.jpg

(Admin photo edit - remember to use the preview button)

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

No, it's Italian.

Firstly, can you confirm the numbers and letters by the star are 597 FI ?

What you have is a resin base covered with a layer of silver. To identify such pieces, and so that they are not to be confused with solid silver items, as they do contain a full set of Italian marks, the Italian government require some extra marks to be struck. These extra marks are a 'R' within a square, this stands for 'Riempito' (filled), and also a set of figures that indicate the amount of silver deposited, in grams (1÷2 g, 2÷3 g, 3÷5g, etc.). These are not exact weights, but must fit into range stated by each mark. In your case there is between 45 and 50 grams of silver deposited on the outside of the product.

When you confirm the numbers and letters we should be able to let you know the actual maker.

Trev.

[tzarevich]

Wow, very nice information, I will provide further info in the morning, thank you for taking time to answer, cheers!

[tzarevich]

I think I can provide the info you requested now, it looks like the symbol for "star" 597 looks to be an "A" within a square??

[dognose]

Hi Tzarevich,

The letters we need are indicated by the red arrow, it will be something like 'FI', 'PI', etc.



Trev.

[tzarevich]

Trev,

Thanks for taking time to reply, looks like F1 to me................

[dognose]

Hi Tzarevich,

See 'Silver Fashion Silvan' on page 102 of: Italian Silverware and Jewellery Manufacturers

Trev

[tzarevich]

Wow, you instantly knew where to look, very impressive, thank you for taking time to teach me.
Can you recommend some reference books (beginner) so that I can learn on my own?

[dognose]

To be honest, you are just as well to hang around this forum. There are a lot of expert members here, and they are willing to share their knowledge with you.

Give them good, clear embedded images to work with and they'll happily give you their opinions.

Start by reading some of the older posts, there's a mountain of information already contained there.

Trev.

[tzarevich]

Thank you!