Is this a silver or silver plate mark?

[russelljd]

I have an unusual silver/silver plate item that I don't know much about. It is a large bowl shaped item, with two 'Art Deco' style handles on it. I can only think it is some form of serving dish. The mark underneath is unusual as well. It has what looks like an 'oil lantern' mark, then underneath is the makers mark R&B, then a gothic 'S',then what looks like a gothic 'FD'?, and finally what looks like the Welsh '3 feathers' emblem. Any help would be much appreciated.

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[2209patrick]

Those silverplate marks were used by Roberts & Belk, Sheffield, England. Known as Roberts & Briggs from 1859 through 1863. Became Roberts & Belk in 1864. They became "Ltd." in 1901. Stopped electroplating c.1920. I believe they used the lamp mark from 1895 to c.1920.



Regards,
Pat.

[russelljd]

Thanks Pat. You certainly know your subject!

Russell

[paulh]

Although this is a plated piece I would like to add that Roberts & Belk were making sterling silver items into the 1970's.

It is difficult to tell the size from the picture, but I suspect that this might be what the euphemistically called a “sweet dish”. The “S” and “FD” are initials for “Sheffield” and it is actually “EP” for electro-plate.

[russelljd]

Thanks for the information paulh. The dish is approximately 10 inches across, and about 4 inches deep. Is it a 'sweet meat' dish then?

Russ

[paulh]

At 10" I think it qualifies as a fruit bowl.


Paul