OSP item - is it a wine coaster & who's marks are they?

[SilverK]

I've had this item for some considerable time and I never got around to understanding it. I think it's Old Sheffield Plate (I'm sure you'll correct me if I'm wrong!). I've got some questions for the forum:

1) Is it a wine coaster and if not, what is it? The vines and grapes would certainly suggest it is, but it's form isn't typical of what I've seen. This one has feet, no wooden base and no border. The nearest I've seen is in Bradbury pg 255 and that is just a tumbler holder (dated 1774). Even that has a border;

2) I can't find the maker's marks either. They aren't in the Old Sheffield Plate Marks 1784-1836 area of this site nor does it follow the legal format of those marks. I presume that makes it earlier than 1784 or later than 1836.




I could also provide a picture showing the feet if this would help.

Any help will be much appreciated.

SilverK.

[SilverK]

Actually, to be accurate, there is a sort of border. The base is sunk about 7mm below the level of the vines and grapes, so technically a border, but not of the standard wine-coaster type.

[dognose]

Hi SilverK,

We've been chasing that mark, and its variations, for years, with no luck at all so far. From the examples of what I've seen of the work of this firm, I feel it may perhaps be a lot later than your thoughts on the date, but who knows. My gut feeling is that this is going to turn out to be a colonial maker.











Trev.

[SilverK]

Thanks Trev,

Well at least I have the comfort of knowing I haven't missed something. Now you have another example (I can send you additional pictures of the item by email if you want them). Just ask.

My reference to Bradbury was because that's the only tome I have on OSP. My feeling is the same as yours - it feels Victorian because of the exuberant decoration. I'll speak to someone I know who has colonial interests. He may be able to cast some additional light onto this, but don't hold your breath!

SilverK.