Dating a Maltby, Stevens & Curtis piece

[Pastor Bette]

Hi, I have discovered that the Maltby, Stevens & Curtis company exusted from 1890 to 1898m when they were absorbed into International Silver. But I have also seen that the members continued to use their own marks. So I am wondering about the life use of the mark of this company. Are there clues as to dating a piece? I have what I would call a casserole surround: oval, handled. The sideshave a pierced design. It has the M C S each in an almost oval shape, each surmounted with a crown. It says "silver deposit on nickel silver" and it has the number 6959 below that.
Thanks for any help.

Bette

[2209patrick]

I don't think the mark you describe was used by Maltby, Stevens & Curtis. Yes, I checked the mark shown on this website for them, but I don't think that's correct (Admin. please note).

According to Rainwater's "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" you set of marks was used by the Middletown Silver Company, Middletown, Connecticut. The Middletown Plate Company was taken over by International Silver and moved to Meriden, Connecticut, on June 30, 1899. Some of the old employess then formed a new company called the Middletown Silver Company. In business until at least 1939.


http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/8589/scan10001pr3.jpg

Regards,
Pat.

[admin]

Noted & adjusted.
Thanks, Tom

[Pastor Bette]

Thanks Pat. So this looks like it was made between 1899 and 1939, or possibly even later.

Bette

[2209patrick]

You're welcome. I think you are safe saying it dates to between 1899 and 1940.
They did use a few other marks during their history. I wonder if your mark is an earlier one. In my second attached scan you will see in the top/right corner of their 1922 advertisement the more modern looking logo.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8237/1934ly8.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5210 ... rcozd9.jpg

Regards,
Pat.

[Pastor Bette]

I am sorry I can't seem to get a picture into my computer. The mark on the bottom of this item matches the lowest mark in your picture:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8237/1934ly8.jpg

It does not match the ad. Would that make it likely to be an earlier rather than a later piece?

Bette

[2209patrick]

I think your piece is an early piece of theirs (1899-1922), but that is only my opinion. I'm going by the style of the marks and the fact the other mark appears in later advertisements.

Pat.

[Pastor Bette]

Thank you. This information has been very helpful.

Bette