Sheffield salver with open work grapes and vine ID

[Kate Robart]

I've inherited a silverplate decorative salver or platter, about 12" across. It has 3 feet, 2" of cast openwork vine, then center with graceful grapes and vine engraving. Here are the marks on the bottom, top to bottom:
13 14
SHEFFIELD (small caps)
(3 marks) left, what looks like a spaniel or similar dog's head, then a 4-point crown and then an "S" in Black Letter style (a bar through it)
S.Co.
4 numbers too small to read.
Upside down above all of these marks is scratched 8271.
And: Any advice on replating?
Many thanks. I hope I've followed the guidelines! Kate

[2209patrick]

Check out this post and see if mark pictured is the same as yours.

viewtopic.php?t=5345

Regards,
Pat.

[Kate Robart]

Pat, The 3 lower marks are rather like the ones on my salver and in the same order (what I took for a dog appears to be a bearded man0. But the workmanship of the stamps is much more refined than those on the bottom of the ewer or whatever it is. Could it be that at different times the marks were stamped with more or less sophistication? The S. Co. on my salver would fit with "the Sheffield Co." you mention.

Any thoughts on replating?

Appreciatively, Kate

[2209patrick]

Yes, over the years there was a big difference in the detail and quality of The Sheffield Silver Company's marks.

I've never had a piece replated. I've been told it can be expensive and the finish won't be exactly the same as the original. If you are thinking of replating it to add value so you can sell it it, don't waste your time. If you plan on keeping the piece, it might be worth it for sentimental reasons.

Regards,
Pat.

[Kate Robart]

This settles it, Pat. How impressive that this forum elicited a 'right on' response so immediately.

If I could remember the reason I have the dratted thing, I would feel sentimental about it. But it isn't particularly my style and from past experiences with replating small objects it IS blisteringly expensive and won't be aesthetically pleasing. So a big thank you for solving my quandary.

Kate