Mystery Mark on a Silver Basket

[silverstacy]

Hello Group,

I have just inherited this piece of Silver from my Great Grandmother. It is marked on the rim with what looks like a G D with a hammer in the middle in an oval cartouche. It is also marked on the handle 3 in a square, 0 in a square, SCALES with a c on each side in a square, and 09 in a square. I have some American Silver but I think this must be European. Does anyone have any ideas?





Thank you in Advance,

Stacy

[admin]

Hi Stacy,

Welcome to the forum. No mystery, we have just what you need.

See -> http://www.925-1000.com/a_christofle.html for the maker
See -> http://www.925-1000.com/a_platenumbers.html for the meaning of the numbers.

Regards, Tom

[silverstacy]

Tom,

Thats a great start but im still confused. im excited to learn that it is Christofle. At the tops of the shells on one side it is worn all the way through at the high points (almost looks pierce at first glance) so Im pretty sure its not plated. The 3 0 and the 09 arent plate marks that show in your link.

Stacy

[2209patrick]

Hi Stacy.

I believe those are Christofle silverplate marks.
If your piece were solid silver the maker's mark would be in a lozenge shape.
Christofle produces some of the highest quality silverplate in the world.



Pat.

[silverstacy]

Who moved my post? I dont think this piece is plate. I think it is Sterling Silver. I dont think that it would be possible to where completely wear through at several high points from polishing, (actually pierces through in about 8 spots) unless it was solid silver.

Stacy

[dragonflywink]

Your post was moved because the piece is clearly marked as silverplate, not solid silver. It was almost certainly plated over a white metal, so plating wear in the area that you believe should show might not be evident. Most of Christofle's production was and is silverplate and it is of very fine quality, yours is a lovely piece. I keep one of their small shell dishes on my dresser and have tossed rings, earrings, etc. into for over twenty years, and have polished it numerous times, it shows no plating loss at all.

~Cheryl

[silverstacy]

Ok, Im confused. What does the 3 and the 0 and the 09 stand for?

Stacy

[silverstacy]

Its really easy for the "experts" here blab somthing out but when you cant back it up with facts it goes silent. I had the piece tested today and it is at least 900 fine silver. Please move my post back to where it belongs.

Stacy

[dognose]

Stacy,

If you had read the posting requirements when you became a member of the Forum, you would know that we don't tolerate rudeness.
You came to this Forum seeking advice, but it appears that the information you received was not what you wanted to hear.
The people on this Forum give their time and knowledge freely and do not deserve to be abused after they have tried to help you.

Trev.

[silverstacy]

I just want my post move back to where I listed it, in European silver and not silverplate. Christofle made both Silver and Silverplate, and I only have evidence that it is Silver. With the light pinprick wear throughs, the worn mark, and the Acid test, coupled with the fact that no one has a clue what the numbers stand for, I believe the Moderator jumped the gun and want him to put it back.

Stacy

[admin]

Stacy,
In the area of silver marking, France is one of the most heavily legislated countries in the world. Both silver and silverplate are marked in strict accordance with the law of the land. Solid silver must meet with stringent standards before it is stamped with the marks legislated for solid silver and the maker's mark must be in the legally described diamond shaped format.
There are also rules as to the shape and type of marks used on French silverplate, most important of these is that the maker's mark must be in a rectangular shaped stamp.
All of the marks on your piece conform to the French laws regarding silverplate marks, none of the marks on your piece conform to the laws regarding solid silver.
Common sense dictates that Christofle would stand nothing to gain by marking an expensive piece of solid silverware with their marks that designate it as plated ware. They did not become a 175 year old success story by marketing silk purses as sow's ears.

Regards, Tom

ps. No one here is an expert, we are a group of interested and motivated students who like to share what we are learning. If we are not up to your standards, let me know and I will rescind your membership.