Benjamin Smith

[amena]

Hello
This pair of chafing dishes seems to be the work of
Benjamin Smith, but there are some things I don't quite understand.


Why is the crowned leopard head missing?
That diamond with intertwined arrows (red frame) has already been discussed here other times, but I can't find those posts.
Can someone enlighten me?
Thanks
Amena

[amena]

I found the 8 crossed arrows mark which is listed among the Sheffield Plate marks.
upload pic
But are the other marks fake?

[dognose]

Hi Amena,

Do we know from where to shown marks are taken? If the items were all silver, there should be six examples of marking (the bases, covers and finials).

Presumably part of the item/items are plated, perhaps replacements?

It would be good to see images of all of the marks and the location.

Trev.

[amena]

Hi Trev
Unfortunately I don't have the piece, I just saw it on auction.
They classify it as Hanau.
I will ask for information.

[silvermakersmarks]

The crossed arrows mark was later taken on by William Hutton & Sons after their acquistion of Creswick & Co around 1900 so we can presume that the mark was used by Creswick and Co until then and would certainly have been in use in 1833. My conjecture is that in the context of these dishes it was a retail or purchasing agent's mark.

[amena]

I received some information from the auction house.
The base of the chafing dish bears only the mark of the 8 crossed arrows and is made of silver plated metal.
The lid and the knob are silver, with the marks of Benjamin Smith.
It seems a bit strange, but it seems to be so.
There is also an internal tray, which is not visible, also silver.
I still have a doubt: is it normal for the crowned leopard head to be missing?
Regards
Amena

[amena]

another little doubt: does the duty mark look genuine?

[silvermakersmarks]

Yes the duty mark (of William IV) is 100% correct for 1833. In 1833 the London town mark was the uncrowned leopard head and I agree that it is a little peculiar for it to be missing. However, if the plated bottom parts are replacing original silver ones, it is likely that another partial hallmark could have been there. It is accepted practice that, where there is more than one piece constituting a whole one (i.e. base and cover), partial hallmarks could be applied to each piece.

Phil

[amena]

Thanks Phil for correcting me.
I thought it was 1813....
Amena