Staniforth`s patent 8470 - American or British?

[bird of paradise]

Hello,
I would like to know if the attached Halllmark which is shown on a biscuit bowl
is
a) an American one or a British one
b) Is it possible to deduce the date of manufacturing?
c) What does Staniforth`s patent 8470 mean?

I could not find anything about it with google.
I would be very happy if someone gave me some information.
Thank you very much.
Kind regards
bird of paradise




[/quote][/code][/list][/url]

[georgiansilver]

The only bit I can help with is the Patent...a patent is taken out on a pattern or style of an object in the same way as a copyright is taken out on literature or music. Basically to prevent anyone from copying it without licence. Best wishes, Mike.

[admin]

It is British silverplate, not American. Late 19th or early 20th century vintage.
Regards, Tom

ps. There is not a hallmark anywhere on it, those are found on British sterling silver, these are called trademarks.

[Neruda]

The FBros (the F Brithers) mark looks English and the letter "s" maybe a reference to Sheffield.

I notice that in the Sheffiield Directory of 1852 that Staniforth is a common Sheffield name and several were connected with knife or fork-making and plating. Perhaps your Staniforth could be Benjamin of "Padley, Parkin, & Staniforth, silver & plated ware manufacturers, 1 Watson walk, Sheffield, and 21 Salisbury street, London".

[2209patrick]

That could be one of two different silver plate marks used by the Fenton Brothers who were located in Sheffield. From about 1859 to 1896 their silver plate mark did not have the Ltd. From 1897 to c.1920 their mark did include the letters ltd.

[Oysterr51]

I have an almost square 4 inch by 5 inch by two inches high box, on four feet like slightly flattened marbles, with a lid and it has the identical markings as your article. It is silverplate, Fenton Brothers Ltd as yours, with the same markings as yours has minus any patent marks. It also has a flower and a 3 beside the flower. Have you learned any more about it?

I am at a loss to know what it was used for, as it has an oval hole in the bottom about 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches.

Can anyone tell me more.

thanks

[bird of paradise]

Hello Oysterr51,
I am sorry but I cannot help you. I have no idea what it was used for.
Kind regards
Bird of paradise

[Oysterr51]

I did receive a reply from a collector, and he told me that the bowl used to contain a glass dish inside. The hole in the bottom was used to push up the glass dish to remove it from the holder.

The original dish is missing, and a substitute was put in it's place. Apparently is was used as a butter dish.

thanks, just the same