Help on hallmarks please

[tinklebob]

Can anyone identify this mark on the silver ( plate?) lid to a glass bowl. The lid is about 4 inches on diameter and it has a handle made of silver in the shape of an apple with some leaves. The lid is dome shaped. The crown indicates Sheffield. I think JS&S is James Swann and Sons. The aimal looks like a beaver/duckbilled platypus? The date letter is a very fancy A.

[2209patrick]

I believe that is a British silverplate mark. The A is not a date letter, just a pseudo mark. The use of the crown mark was banned on British silverplate around 1897.
John Sherwood & Sons, Birmingham, England.



Pat.

[tinklebob]

I am so grateful for your help. I wonder where you got your information. I have looked all over the internet and found nothing and it is not in my book on Silver plate. Do you have any more info on John Sherwood as I would like to date my piece more accurately. Thanks Suzanne (UK)

[2209patrick]

At the risk of confusing this issue, here's an interesting article on the beaver mark.

http://www.bexfield.co.uk/thefinial/v13-06/pg16.htm

Pat.

[tinklebob]

The plot thickens. So it looks like a fake of sorts but still interesting. I thought for a minute it might be made by Tiffanys! Suzanne

[2209patrick]

A few other British silverplate marks did include the beaver mark along with a few Canadian firms.
I believe we are safe in saying this particular mark belongs to John Sherwood and Sons.

Pat.