European Silver

[Cocobijou]

Hello,

I am a new member.

I recently acquired a pair of Russian silver candlesticks. The last place they were in Russia was Odessa. They are over 150 years old. The mark is of three stars. Two stars are side by side and the third one is on top of the left sided star. It looks like the letter "L". Where do I go to find information such as age and maker of the candlesticks?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cocobijou :)

[Cocobijou]

I forgot to also add that the candlesticks are approximately 14" tall and are decorated with Pointille' and Acanthus decorations (I have been looking and found out that much).

Thank you in advance again,

Cocobijou :)

[MLF]

Hello,

Your pieces sound very interesting. If it was possible to see a photo of the marks, I'm sure you'd get a lot of response?

Best wishes

MLF

[Cocobijou]

Hello MLF,

I am computer illiterate. I am hoping that my friend will show me how to post a photo. Until that happens, do you have any suggestions where else I may look to help myself? I also noticed that on one foot (on each candlestick)- someone hand etched the numbers "537". The etching seems to be a more recent addition as it is poorly written and the numbers are not evenly placed in height or separation from each other.

Cocobiojou

[MLF]

Hello Cocobiojou,

I only have one book on silver marks; the one by Jan Divis. In it only two marks come anywhere close to your description, and they are both marks for Norden, Germany, used in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the stars are not arranged like you describe. Nor does any of the Russian marks seem to fit (including one from Odessa).

So, I'm not sure how you should proceed. Are you sure your candlesticks don't have any other marks, however faint or rubbed they may be? I think you should definately try to post pictures in this forum, because the visuals might provide important clues about the origin of your candlesticks.

Best wishes

Mikael

[Cocobijou]

Dear Mikael,

I received one more clue tonite......the candlesticks were either used in Odessa or Kiev. Could the stamps come from the city of Kiev.

I will get my friend to place the photos on before the weekend is over!!!

Thank you,

Cocobijou

[admin]

Here is an example of a Kiev mark, similar marks were used there throughout the 19th century. The angel to the right is the Kiev city mark, if your piece does not have this, it will not have been made there.
Look forward to seeing your marks.
Tom

[Cocobijou]

Hi,

Someone mentioned to me that the mark might be Polish. I will try anything! Is it possible that Polish silver was sold in the Russian market? I will have the photos in the next few days. My friend will be over to help me.

And thank you all for your help!

Tom, they must not be from Kiev, as the only stamp that I can locate are the three stars in the shape of the letter "L". Unless the candlesticks are older than 150 years old....could there have been a "star" stamp in Kiev at an earlier date?

Cocobijou :)