UNKNOWN HALLMARK ON COLLAPSIBLE CUP - PLEASE HELP!

[SILVERMAX]

http://sv1.letmehost.com/sv1/21/DSCN9426.JPG
http://sv1.letmehost.com/sv1/21/DSCN9416.JPG
(admin photo edit - images too large - link only!)

Couldn't identify these hallmarks - all shown on bottom of cup. Please help to confirm this is Sterling Silver - Thank you!

[2209patrick]

The 2nd picture has on the bottom (upside down) the letters MBC EP. MBC stands for the Meriden Britannia Company, Meriden, Connecticut. The EP stands for ElectroPlated which means your item is silverplated.
Around 1855 they started producing silverplated holloware. Became part of the International Silver Company in 1898. You have some extra marks there. I wonder if the C in the one set of marks means it was produce in their Hamilton, Ontario, Canada plant, not sure.

http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8030/scan10002dn9.jpg

Pat.

[SILVERMAX]

Thanks for your fast reply, any info about the other markings?
Thank you again.
Joseph

[2209patrick]

You are welcome. The set of marks to the right in your picture includes a balance scales mark which was a trademark of Meriden. This makes me think they were put on by the manufacturer. Not sure what they mean, but the C makes me think it might have been made in Canada. Don't know what the set of marks on the left mean, possibly a retailers mark.

Best wishes,
Pat.

[SILVERMAX]

Thanks Pat for all your help.
Joseph