posted 07-20-2005 05:05 PM            

THANK YOU to the knowledgeable members of this site. You have provided me with answers to most of the questions that I have on a Sheridan Silver on Copper Tea Set. I have searched and searched for info about this company on the internet with little results until now.

A little about me, my daughter and silver: We have always loved silver in any form. Over the years we have collected items that appeal to us visually with no regard to the hallmarks, etc. If it looked good, just had to have it. My daughter and I are collectible junkies and over the years acquired way too much. Time and space has made it necessary to clean house as several of our elderly family members estates were passed on to us. So we did like a lot do, list some collectibles on eBay. In doing so we found that it was important to research the item thoroughly so as not to misrepresent it. Libraries and the internet were are primary source (unfortunately some retail or antique stores will tell you what you want to hear and not necessarily the truth). Simple enough, as research is my game and knowledge the reward. But still questions!

This particular set of Sheridan is in a pattern, still unknown to us. But markings made us believe that it is really Sheridan. Marked Sheridan Silver on Copper with the three etched marks (I understand they are truly not hallmarks but a makers ID - something I learned from your forum). The ornate feet, spout and handles have a flower and scrolled type of pattern that almost looks gold washed.

Found a few discussions on the same questions I had as well as some that are unanswered. NOW MY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS:

1 The marks on this set are clearly ETCHED and not stamped. Does this mean it may not be Sheridan or does a mark have to be stamped? A thread ended (Silver Salon Forum) with the following question made me wonder about this.

by Stephen posted 06-14-2003 07:25 PM "Normally, these marks are stamped, not engraved. Are you sure they're engraved?".

I have provided our link to the marks on the piece we have. The etched mark is very similar to the image previously posted in that thread but the crown point is a little different on ours?

2 What looks like gold wash on the handles, etc. are only on the leaves and flowers. Would this be a wash or separate process to enhance a piece? I did find some reference to Sheridan pieces that had this wash but no reference at all to this piece or pattern (subject of mercury guilding in the New Members Forum posted by Antiqueperson was interesting but I left the thread confused.) OR could this just be the copper showing through.

3 Is there a way to date this? This was a silver anniversay gift to my Aunt & Uncle who were married in 1938 - which means it was probably new in 1963-64.

posted 07-20-2005 06:55 PM            

1. The mark is not etched (treated with acid), but appears to be a stamped engraving.

2. It is difficult to determine this via the photo. If the copper is showing through, you should be able to tell (copper is rather a different color than gold, i.e., more red or brown). I believe if it looks like gold, it probably is gold.

3. This is probably mid to late 20th century and dating it exactly will not enhance it's value, in my opinion.

posted 07-20-2005 08:04 PM            

To Salmoned:

1. Thanks for the clarification on etched vs engraved. Really should have known that from my prior research on this and on glass as well.
   
2. It is so hard to tell about the "gold wash" it is very light. After a gentle cleaning it is still there. Thought it was tarnish at first.
3. The time element seems right to me.

posted 07-20-2005 10:35 PM            

Now, to a different topic: I have re-read your opening statement closely and am compelled to ask if you are inquiring about these pieces for commercial purposes. If you are, the thread will be closed immediately, your membership will be reviewed, and, I would remind you, any information gleaned here is protected by copyright and may not be used in any form for selling or advertising wares.

posted 07-20-2005 11:25 PM            

Could not end this thread with what could look like an infringement of the rules by keeping silent. I respect this forum as it helped me understand a great deal. Although I do sell collectibles on eBay I do not do it through vintage.collectables at all. I did read your regulations carefully and respect what they say and mean.

posted 07-21-2005 12:18 AM            

With that I will try to get together a couple questions on my two remaining mysteries. A Canadian Railroad EPNS dining car personal size service type tea/water pot and Sheffield EPBM Spirit Kettle on stand. Will post each on its own as I have not found much about them, other than the old family stories of where they came from.

posted 07-22-2005 05:59 AM            

Incising (cutting away material) is only one type of engraving. I see no reason to narrow the meaning of 'engrave' to correspond precisely with 'incise'. Any chasing leaving the surface recessed is engraving, any chasing leaving the surface expressed is embossing.

The definition for 'etching' specifies use of an acid or similar corroding substance.