NY or Philadelphia makers mark?

[WarrenKundis]

Have drawn a blank on this M markers mark, possible NY or Philadelphia area?

[Francais]

I think you have a piece by Merriman & Bradley.
You might want to visit this excellent site.
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.anc ... s/5946.htm
Maurice

[WarrenKundis]

Thank you so much Maurice, what an excellent site.

Marcus Merriman (1762-1850) and Zebul Bradley (1780-1859).

Alternative mark attributed to Merriman & Bradley: eagle - Capital M - stalks of wheat bound

Source: Belden, Louise "Marks of American Silversmiths"

Bradley apprenticed then partnered with Marcus Merriman from 1802 -1826, New Haven, CT.
Bradley apprenticeship 1802-1806
Journeyman to 1813 then partner as Marcus Merriman & Co
1817 company name change to Merriman & Bradley until 1826.

Maurice, are the eagle and the wheat stalks bound considered pseudo marks?

Thanks again
Warren

[Francais]

That is a question of nomenclature, which means someone will disagree. Certainly when you see a sovereign's head and a D and a lion, the silversmith is trying to give the impression the piece is sterling or at least solid silver. Someone could argue the eagle, etc. are just decorative, and not copying another mark. But I would call them all pseudo hallmarks. I guess the only exception would be the Baltimore assay marks, as they did actually have a system of testing and guaranteeing. The most interesting ones to my mind are the pseudo French marks including the coq.
Maurice

[WarrenKundis]

Updating this thread to include an image of the full makers mark, with permission, for Merriman & Bradley from American Silversmiths. Alternate mark #3. For further biographical information on Marcus Merriman see American Silversmiths site.