Unknown maker on silver fork--Anchor AF60, Frenal Lanco???

[argylesocks]

Hello, I've run across a silver fork that definitely looks European, possibly British (because of the anchor) or French. I'm not sure I'm reading the hallmarks correctly myself, so please look at the pictures and let me know if you have any ideas. Thank you very much.


http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/33496/ ... 587_rs.jpg
http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/35271/ ... 043_rs.jpg
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[Bahner]

Hello, that is French plate, maker is Adolphe Frenais from Paris. Adress in the 1920ies is Boulevard Richard Lenoir (where Comissaire Maigret resides...), later it is Avenue Kleber. Best wishes, Bahner

[argylesocks]

Thank you very much Bahner, I am very impressed! I would never have found that in a million years. Following your lead, I learned the correct name is Armand Frenais. Now I am researching these questions:
1. How to tell that it is silverplate rather than sterling?
2. What does the number 60 by the anchor signify?
3. What is the significance of the word that looks like "Lanco" under "Frenais" on the hallmark?

I'll post a follow-up if I can find any of this, or let me know if you can give me a head start ;-)

[admin]

French silver carries very specific marks not found on your piece, French silverplate marks are also somewhat regimented. Examples of both can be found here -> http://www.925-1000.com/Ffrench_marks.html

[argylesocks]

OK, I see from that French Hallmark page that the 60 is an indication of the thickness of the silver plate. So the only mystery left is what the word that looks like "Lanco" is.

[admin]

Believe that is "Blanc", a shortening of Metal Blanc, this indicates a white metal base - as opposed to copper.
see -> http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_M.html
Regards, Tom

[Bahner]

Hello, my source gave the name as "Ad. Frenais", which I liberally (maybe too liberally) elongated to Adolphe Frenais. As to the mark on the right hand side - I agree that it contains the word Blanc for Metal Blanc, the base metal. As to the letters or numerals following the word Blanc - sorry, no clue. That's new to me. Best wishes, Bahner

[argylesocks]

No problem. Take a look here--proof that it is "Armand":



Thanks again Bahner and admin for all the help!