What was the symbol for a silversmith in the 1500s?
Until the 1500s, the symbol for the silversmith was often a plant or an animal suggesting the family name. Today, initials are used. American marks weren’t enforced as systematically and were therefore never as elaborate. Early coin silver was often marked with the maker’s name, and nothing else; sometimes it doesn’t show even that.
What does it mean when silver plate says made in England?
– “Made in England” denotes a 20th century date (mandatory after 1921 for export in the USA) The largest manufacturers introduced, on a voluntary basis, a dating system of their silver plate based on series of letters of various style contained into shields or geometric figures.
What does the 925 mark on sterling silver mean?
Old time Scandinavian silversmiths used a lower content silver alloy to make their items, that is what the 830 means. Standard Sterling Silver has a 92.5 percent silver content with 7.5 percent of another metal added to it to strengthen the piece. Therefore, the most common mark for sterling silver is 925.
What kind of silver was used in the early United States?
Early U.S. silver is often simply marked “coin,” which is pictured below. “S. Brown” manufactured this sterling piece, as indicated by the stamp, but the hallmarks that follow are actually bogus, as they imitate the English system because of its cachet in the marketplace.
What do the numbers mean on a silver tray?
Look for the digits .925 impressed into the metal. This is one of several marks that signify sterling silver. Sterling is the highest-quality worked silver and usually brings higher sale prices.
What is the name of the Gorham silver tray?
The Gorham company adopted the sterling standard in 1868. Among its silver tray patterns is “Maintenon” reportedly inspired by Francoise d”Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon (1635 to 1719), said to be a favorite of King Louis XIV of France. Maintenon is an opulent tray pattern with a laurel border and a rim with scrolling foliage.
Where can I find 1847 Rogers Bros marks?
For more 1847 Rogers Bros. marks, see Rainwater et al. ’s 1966 & 2004 encyclopedia entry, online and linked below. Online – HathiTrust Digital Library. International Silver Company. (1853-1931). International Silver Company records. [Including Meriden Britannia Company, and therefore, presumably including 1847 Rogers Bros.] (Viewed 15 May 2016.
How big is a full size silver tray?
In the world of antiques, a silver tray is usually two-handled or high-rimmed and can be as much as two feet wide. Several factors affect the value of a silver tray.