18th Century Spoon, BI Maker

[Granmaa]

Does anyone know the maker of this spoon, maker's mark BI with crossed arrows mark?

Miles

[oel]

Hi Miles,

I am afraid we are looking at spurious marks, BI most likely the faked mark of the Frisian master Bernardus Jelgerhuis I, who has been active in the city of Leeuwarden during 1716-1766, known for apostle spoons. The city mark of Leeuwarden, being the Lion Rampant and year letter are missing and I believe the crossed arrows to be another pseudo mark.
http://www.zilverstudie.nl/bio/jelgerhuisbernri.html


Best,

Oel.

[Granmaa]

Thank you, Oel.
When and where do you think it was made?
It also has a French bigorne mark.

Miles

[oel]

Hi Miles,

Look what is suddenly crawling in, a Bigorne? French Ordinance of 1st July 1818, a system of countermarks on the opposite side of the guarantee mark. These countermarks are known as "bigornes". I like to know which French guarantee mark is opposite the bigorne? Agewise, my guess is as good as yours but I keep it around the turn of the 19th century perhaps you should try the French section.

Best,

Oel

[Granmaa]

[oel]

Hi Miles,

Pseudo marks with French import mark for silver called the Weevil. Silver items from French treaty countries were struck with the weevil in a rectangle mark, used 1893-1984. Fineness minimum .800. For more info see;
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=31287

Best,

Oel.

[Granmaa]

Thank you, Oel.