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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 Continental / International Silver
 Help with Belgian Hallmarks
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| Author | Topic: Help with Belgian Hallmarks |
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tmockait Posts: 963 |
posted 12-27-2004 06:17 PM
  
[07-0163] According to my research so far, the "D" topped with a crown represents Antwerp (?), but I am not sure of the date and cannot make out the other mark. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, IP: Logged |
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pfitz Posts: 5 |
posted 12-27-2004 10:36 PM
I really can't see the marks well at all, but if the top mark is the D with a crown you mention, then it is probably really D with a snake (which actually looks more like just a zig-zag line): the mark of the prolific and important firm of Delheid Frères of Brussels. You can find out more about them and their marks at: gone gone from the internet As for the second mark, Belgium has always had an assay office, but obligatory testing and marking was abolished in 1869. Makers may still submit wares for hallmarking if they choose to. The official mark generally found of Delheid Frères silver is the Gothic A (for argent), with a 1 or 2 for the standard: 1=.900; 2 = .800. This mark was used 1869-1941. (see link above for more info.) This mark was changed to a four petaled flower in 1942 when the standards were changed: 1=.925; 2 = .835. This mark is still in use. But bear in mind that for over a century now, Belgian silversmiths have been able to work in any fineness above .500 that they see fit, so long as the purity is properly indicated, therefore not all Belgian pieces (in fact, very few in the 20th century) have official Belgian hallmarks. [This message has been edited by Mod assistant (edited 04-19-2023).] IP: Logged |
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blakstone Posts: 493 |
posted 12-28-2004 03:53 PM
I really can't see the marks well at all, but if the top mark is the D with a crown you mention, then it is probably really D with a snake (which actually looks more like just a zig-zag line): the mark of the prolific and important firm of Delheid Frères of Brussels. You can find out more about them and their marks at:
This mark was changed to a four petaled flower in 1942 when the standards were changed: 1=.925; 2 = .835. This mark is still in use. But bear in mind that for over a century now, Belgian silversmiths have been able to work in any fineness above .500 that they see fit, so long as the purity is properly indicated, therefore not all Belgian pieces (in fact, very few in the 20th century) have official Belgian hallmarks. [This message has been edited by Mod assistant (edited 04-19-2023).] IP: Logged |
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labarbedor Posts: 353 |
posted 12-28-2004 08:28 PM
I just posted on a new thread a picture of the mark. IP: Logged |
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tmockait Posts: 963 |
posted 12-28-2004 09:58 PM
Thanks for the detailed response. It is indeed a snake. I still cannot make out the second mark, but let's assume it indicates the purity. My sources indicate that the this particular "D" mark was used between 1869 and 1942. Any chance of narrowing it down more ? IP: Logged |
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blakstone Posts: 493 |
posted 12-28-2004 11:48 PM
Very nice, a classic. This pattern - "fiddle thread" in English, "double filet" in French - was probably the most popular 19th century pattern in France (and here in New Orleans!). It's still made, of course, but the very short and gracile fiddle, long shoulders and especially that very pointed, flat tip would lead me to say mid to late 19th century, especially if the piece is noticeably large and heavy. IP: Logged |
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tmockait Posts: 963 |
posted 12-29-2004 12:05 AM
Thanks again. Large and heavy are relative terms. It is about the length of a regular spoon today (large I suppose by the standard of 19th c. teaspoons) and heavier than comparable silver pieces but lighter than plate. So, 1869-1900 seems like a good range! Happy Holidays! IP: Logged |
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