Maltese? Any info please

[spobby]

Please advise on the marks on these trays. I guess they're Maltese, but the '917'? or '91T'? is a puzzle. Current marks don't show these figures.
A date would help also tremendously.
Many thanks in advance
John
http://i45.tinypic.com/2enaha9.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[dognose]

Hi John,

It would certainly appear to indicate a 917 for the standard, but the Maltese used three standards:

"F" (French Silver) 11 1/2 parts Silver to 1/2 part alloy
"R" (Roman Silver) 11 parts Silver to 1 part alloy
"M" (Maltese Silver) 10 1/2 parts Silver to 1 1/2 parts alloy

This is where it becomes confusing, as 917 would relate to the Roman standard, but your piece is marked with an 'F', the usual indicator for the French standard.

I'm stumped. Hopefully someone else can offer an opinion.

Trev.