Old Spoon Marked Mexican Silver

[Annette207]

This spoon is marked with Mexican Silver raised. At one end of this mark there is a circle with the number 87, and on the other end there is a raised bird emblem. I do not know if this was made by a Mexican silversmith, but thought this may be the right forum for my post. I would like to know if anyone on the forum is familiar with this pattern, and its marks.


http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x77/wheeler7021/MexicanSilverHallmarkCustom.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x77/wheeler7021/MexicanSilverSpoonCustom.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements---Remember to use the Preview Button )

[2209patrick]

Hello and welcome.

That's a silverplate trademark that was used by the Holmes & Edwards Silver Company, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Founded in 1882. Became part of International Silver in 1898.
International Silver continued to use the Holmes & Edwards trademarks for decades.

Pat.

[Annette207]

Thanks Pat for that information. I would never have guessed that such well known American silver companies would have made this piece. So, it's silverplate, right? Do you happen to know about when this trademark was retired?

About the photos, I apologize for that....I resized the pics, and thought I had them within the 100KB size range. Even though they looked very large on the preview, I thought the resizing had made them an allowable size. Willl be more careful in the future.

Annette207

[2209patrick]

Hi Annette.

If your spoon was sterling it would be marked .925 or sterling.

However, I may have been wrong in saying that is a silverplate mark.
There's a good chance your spoon is just nickel silver and was never silverplated.
If so, this would make it an early spoon ot theirs, late 19th century, early 20th century.
Don't know how long they used the "Mexican Silver" mark.



Pat.

[Annette207]

I found the following information on Mexican Silver. It's contained in the middle paragraph, and was a real exciting thing in the silver market at the time.

[Annette207]

Maybe I'll soon get it right...thanks for getting the article in the post. I found out that this book was published in 1885, which must have been about the time Holmes & Edwards began making Mexican Silver.

A question, please: Which of the image codes at Photobucket should I select to get the image inserted in my post correctly?

Thanks again,
Annette207

[2209patrick]

Hi Annette.

The IMG code at Photobucket.

Interesting article. Thanks for posting it.

Pat.

[Annette207]

OK....glad to know which code at photobucket to select, thanks.

Also glad you enjoyed the article...I thought it was very interesting. The venture into the world of Mexican Silver has been a real learning experience for me. Until now, I'd never even heard of it!! It's great to still be learning at age 70!! ;o)