Maltese Silver?

[OldSchool]

I was intrigued to discover Trevorg's post from nine years ago (viewtopic.php?t=57370) relating to Maltese silver, and a mark comprising the letters MA below a Maltese Cross.

I have been asked for advice on a silver strainer which bears a remarkably similar mark, and I'd welcome confirmation (or otherwise) from members as to the possible origin.

I can only provide some modest additional background. The piece is undoubtedly silver, and of fairly high grade — possible sterling, but at least 800 or above. In addition to the mark mentioned, it is also engraved with the crest of Viscount Mayo, being a Mountain Cat with a collar and chain. This device was first awarded in the late 18th century to John Bourke, the 1st Viscount Mayo, but can also be traced back to the 14th century. It was subsequently used by successive generations of the Bourke family, including the 6th Earl, Richard Bourke (1822-1872), who was 4th Viceroy and Governor General of India (1869-1872). The strainer has found its way to me via a member of the Bourke family, so I can vouch for its provenance.

At first I wondered if it might be provincial Irish silver, given the links to Mayo, but then discovered Trevorg's post. The quality of the silversmith's work is not, perhaps, of the finest quality. The decoration is modest, and the workmanship fairly simple. There are also signs of repair, where the bowl adjacent to the 'handle' has, at some stage, been ripped and re-soldered. However, given the likely age and origin, I hope it's of interest.

Any guidance will be most welcome.

[OldSchool]

I had hoped for at least one reply here, but I am delighted to say that I have heard back from Alaine Apap Bologna in Malta. She believes this piece is indeed Maltese silver, and was probably made around 1700, but that the crest was added later. That would also concur with my own findings, and the probability that this was purchased in Malta, perhaps in the early 19th century, by one of the Bourke family — most likely Sir Richard Bourke (1777-1855). He was appointed to the Governor's staff on Malta in 1825 before going on to become Governor of New South Wales. It is known he visited Malta several times.

[anikopol]

Hi,

I have not any specific knowledge relating Maltese silver, expect information provided in this forum.

For your information, I came accros this mark MA below a Maltese Cross on an item sold in May 2022 in France, a pair of round silver plates (see picture in the link below) :

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

It seems that the Maltese mark was not identified by the local expert, but probably by the buyer since auction price is quite high.

identification of the crest would be interesting : Maltese aristocraty ? A soldier or civil servant that, at one point of its carreer, was posted in Malta ?