No idea at all on silver service hallmark

[gammagurl]

Would appreciate any ideas on identifying information on this silver service. I think it's silver plate, but might be sterling.

Thanks.
Gammagurl

[2209patrick]

That mark was used by the Forbes Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1894 as a department of the Meriden Britannia Company for holloware silverplating. Became part of the International Silver Company in 1898. International continued to use the mark, probably into the 1920's.

Regards,
Pat

[mmrader]

Hello Pat,

I also have a piece with this mark, and I just so happened to be researching it these past couple of days...perfect timing for this thread! I am wondering what resource you used to ID the mark? I haven't seen it anywhere under either Forbes or Meriden...all I have seen are the marks with the circles around them (Forbes with the name and an eagle, Meriden with their name and a scale)! Any specific documentation, books or links, would be hugely appreciated!!!

With many thanks in advance!

Michelle

[dragonflywink]

Rainwater's Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacurers shows this as Forbes mark. Would recommend it as a basic reference on American silver and silverplate makers. I prefer the Fourth Edition, but understand that the Fifth, which deleted some information (why?), added some information on more recent makers.<p>Cheryl ;o)

[2209patrick]

I agree with Cheryl that Dorothy Rainwater's 4th edition is a good book to start out with. Found the mark there.

Best wishes,
Pat.

[mmrader]

Thank you Cheryl and Pat, I definitely need to invest in that book! Your help is greatly appreciated:)

Michelle