Hamburg Maker Help - Rudolphs?

[jackk]

I need help in identifying these Hamburg marks. Maker's look like Rudolphs.

Thank you!

Jack

[silverport]

Hello Jack

»Hamburg, A« = Warden Jacob Nicolaus Wilhelm Schäffer, 19 April 1828-30 August 1851.

»RUDOLPHS« = a not in or for Hamburg registered Silversmith mark — maybe well in Altona registered?

But there was an apprentice by Georg Wilhelm Conrad Meyerhoff; G.W.C. Meyerhoff has from 10 August 1836 a concession; on 4 June 1839 he got an »Amt« (Master workshop); succeeded on 4 June 1851.

His apprentice was 1840-1842 from Altona coming Johann Heinrich Andreas Rudolphs. J.H.A. Rudolphs become Master in 1845 in Altona.

Curious is to struck a mark parallel to assayers diet!

Kind regards silverport

[Theoderich]

Yes - its Johann Heinrich Andreas Rudolphs from Altona.
(Ref. H.Stierling S.82)

[jackk]

Thanks a lot! So we can relatively accurately pinpoint the date of manufacture between 1840 and 1842. That is helpful. I assume Hamburg silver with Rudolphs marks must be quite rare, correct?

It is indeed odd that the hallmark is struck right next to the assayer's zigzag.

Jack

[silverport]

Hello Jack

Your conclusions aren't correct!

Rudolphs was before by one or some other Masters in Altona (?) apprentice, before his apprenticeship in Hamburg from 1840-1842.

Then after in 1845 he became Master in Altona. Before this year (day and month aren't mentioned in my source) it was forbidden to sign - except some one has got a concession in Hamburg, then signed with the concession number.

So, RUDOLPHS mark could be struck between 1845 until 30 Aug. 1851.

But how it was possible to do so as it is, is miraculous. There were rules from Hamburg Guild, not to have contacts, or say »Hello« on street to an Altona.

The Assay zig-zag isn't in principle a hallmark itself - it is part of the procedures to get the Hallmark; if the silver fineness wasn't correct, the Assay zig-zag remained as it was, but hasn't got the Hallmark.

Kind regards silverport