Wierd STERLING? Pill Box - Help with hallmarks please.

[matt_davies]

Hi everyone,

I have this small pill box and cannot identify the marks. I think they may be american, but am unsure as to age or maker. Any help would be appreciated.

Matthew

http://sv1.letmehost.com/img.php?file=s ... CN6303.JPG

http://sv1.letmehost.com/img.php?file=s ... CN6304.JPG

[georgiansilver]

Cannot make out the first mark but the others are what appears to be 'B&JH' in Old English Script. Best wishes, Mike.

[matt_davies]

Do you think that this could be American? If so do you know what books would hold the answers to my problem?

Matty

[georgiansilver]

My knowledge unfortunately doesn't stretch to American plate or silver...sorry. Best wishes, Mike.

[frenchie_myriam]

Dear Matthew, I have the feeling this is Sheffield ( UK ) silverplate. The first mark looks like a crown and this crown was frequently used by the Sheffield producers betseen 1765 and 1825 as a guarrantee of quality . I found this information in Bradbury's book of hallmarks, Sheffield plate makers mark 1743 to 1860.

Sorry I could not trace who the maker is.

Hope this helped.

Best Regards
Myriam

[terry5732]

I should think Sheffield plate would show in the deep engraving.

[admin]

Terry,
Plating would have been done after the engraved work.
Regards, Tom

[matt_davies]

Hi guys,

There is no plating missing from inside the engraving.

The only suspicious activity is a discolouration where there was a stain, but it is not plating that has come off. I am leaning towards continental silver or american sterling. The box does not ring like our other plated pieces, but omits a dull thunk when tapped. It has a gold wash interior and it is rather heavy. I suppose the only other alternative could be osminium.

Matty

[matt_davies]

HI Everyone,

I have had it looked at by a professional, and he said that it is definately solid .925 silver. He took a scraping from the inside rim (i cant even see where he took it from it is that small) and said that it is a fine example of mid 19th century silver.

He did not know however where it came from or who made it...i suppose if none of the experts know, it will just remain a mystery for so many more years to come. Having said that it would be nice to know wouldnt it?

Matty

[Neruda]

If it's silver it's not English - the marks don't match the rigorous hallmark system in use.

If it's English, it's silverplate.

Beware of acid testing by scratching or scraping. If a piece is well plated the cut may not go deep enough. And if it does, it is usually damaging! I've seem deeply scratched acid tested items from quality platers which the seller swears are silver when the marks clearly indicate they are not!

[admin]

I agree, but think neruda should have used more exclamation points!
I'd like to add that most acid testing (for silver) isn't really worth a damn, even when done by a professionals. There are just too many variables and I've witnessed too many disagreements between silver dealers with a bottle of acid and a piece of silver (or plate) in front of them.

Regards, Tom

[matt_davies]

Thanks for that....i suppose you are right. It didnt occur to me that the plate may be entirely too thick to have a scraping done....Perhaps i have been diddled?!?

I always find it interesting and fun when i come across something that i cannot place...it happens all the time when you have an antique store and specialise in only a few areas (metal is not one of them!!!)

Can you reccomend any books which wil help in the identification of this box???

[georgiansilver]

Where is the mark situated please and can you give a description or pics of the inside of the box. Thanks, Mike.

[matt_davies]

They are inside the box....both in the base and in the lid. They are a shield with a crown, a circle with 'B' diamond with '&', a circle with what i think is a 'j' and a rectangle with an 'h'. There are links to the pics in my original post....arent they working?

Matty

[matt_davies]

Hang on a sec....did you mean the scraping mark....if so it looks just straight silver....it is on the inside rim of the base....my cam is out of order so no pics at the moment.