German? Silver or plate marks on small plaque

[Vicky1]

I have tried researching the marks on this small plaque but to no avail. There is a small mark which is a small capital 'A' then a large capital 'A' joined to what looks like a capital 'I'. The next mark looks like conjoined letters, maybe an 'R&I' ? There is one final tiny mark which is black with dirt and impossible to make out. The frame it came in was labelled as German. The plaque measures 11 cms x 8.5 cms.
[img]/Users/mrcorrinharrison/Desktop/IMG_5995.JPG[/img]
[img]/Users/mrcorrinharrison/Desktop/IMG_6016.JPG[/img]
[img]/Users/mrcorrinharrison/Desktop/IMG_6021.JPG[/img]

[dognose]

Hi,

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[Vicky1]

[Vicky1]

[Vicky1]

Thanks for the advice Trev. The images are finally uploaded. Much appreciated.

[huszas76]

Hello!
The AV mark is an import mark in Austrio-Hungarian monarchy between 1891-1902.
Check here:
http://www.925-1000.com/Faustria_02.html
Maybe someone know the other mark.
Best regards!
Krisztián

[AG2012]

Hi,
Right, it`s import mark to Austria – Hungary. Unlike other sources, the most reliable document (at Hungarian assay office) dates this mark 1872 - 1902.
Hallmarks for imported articles of precious metals, 1867-1937.
(KÜLFÖLDRŐL BEHOZOTT NEMESFÉM TÁRGYAK FÉMJELEI 1867-TŐL 1937-IG)
Regards

[Vicky1]

Thank you both so much for the information.Maybe you would be so kind as to help me a little further. Do you know of the import mark date would indicate that the plaque was made around the same time? I'm hoping to narrow down the maker by having a specific date range. Also do you think the other mark is the makers mark? Lastly, do you think it is silver plated?

[AG2012]

Hi,
It`s silver, not silver-plated.
The mark on the right is maker`s mark. Unlike British sponsor`s import mark, the mark here belongs to the original maker, most probably German having in mind import routes to Austria - Hungary.
There should be a small letter on the left within import mark indicating assay office (e.g. ``A`` for Vienna).Try to identify it (image is too small).
Regards

[Vicky1]

This is fascinating stuff. Thank you so much. The smaller letter next to the A is also an A, so Austria it is. Hopefully this will help in my search now that I have a clearer idea of date, where it was imported to, and that it is probably German. Any other hints or tips about how best to research would be more than welcome. In the meantime the search continues and thanks again.

[AG2012]

Hi,
Letter ‚‚A‚‚ is for Vienna assay office, i.e. it was imported to Vienna.
Regards

[Vicky1]

Thanks to the information you gave I have finally found the maker. It's Hermann Ratzersdorfer of Vienna. I am over the moon to have finally got there. Much appreciated.

[Vicky1]

Sorry, I mant to say Austria, not specifically Vienna.

[AG2012]

Hi,
That`s very unusual, he had a workshop in Vienna and one would expect Austria-Hungary mark, not an import mark, unless he retailed this plaque having added his mark. That was common in Great Britain (import mark and sponsor`s mark) but not in Austria - Hungary. I have seen only one example of silver made in Germany, exported and finished in Vienna.