posted 08-10-1999 11:25 AM            

I'm researching a Presentation Bowl with an inscription as follows: "Myopia Hunt Cups" and "The Country Club Brookline Mass Won by Frambose Clarks Knight of Merci, Mr. Cecil Brabazon UP June 17, 1915".

The Bowl is marked with Reed & Bartons' hallmark, STERLING, S392 and N. C. Wood & Sons. My understanding is that N. C. Wood & Sons would be the retailer. Can anyone suggest a reference where I might find when and where N. C. Wood & Sons sold silver?
Thank you.

posted 08-10-1999 05:46 PM            

I'm confused.

The presentation bowl has the Reed and Barton hallmark in addition to N.C. Wood and Sons. So, who made the bowl? I thought N. C. Wood and Son would be the retailers.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again for responding.

posted 08-11-1999 11:35 AM            

I think you are correct: the Reed & Barton Maker's Mark (not hallmark) means that R&B made it, and that N G Wood and Sons stamped their name and retailled it.

According to Rainwater, though, the name is N G Wood, rather than N C Wood.
And the fact that they also made souvenir spoons is a just bit of incidental information.

posted 08-13-1999 08:55 AM            

Thanks again

posted 08-13-1999 02:19 PM            

As far as I know there is no comprehensive reference work showing silver retailers per se. At best there are old association directories, trade journals or ancient telephone books. In addition, if you are reasonably certain of where the business was located, you could check that city's archives; this information can sometimes be found it a public library. Since this is a lot of work, you might find it easier to consult books dealing with silver manufacturers; silver retailers are sometimes shown as a byproduct, or secondary listing, in these reference works.

Dorothy Rainwater's book, which I mentioned in my first posting, is probably one of the easiest resources to find.
Additionally, many retailers are mentioned in the pocket watch and clock manufacturers' directories.
Finally, The Book of Silver, which has a link at the top of this page, has a section Retailers' Marks.

Hope this helps.

Richard

posted 08-15-1999 07:22 PM            

Thanks for the comprehensive answer. I have the Rainwater book...actually, have her last three editions. I learned to keep them because she doesn't always include everything that's in one when she revises.

Also have Scott's book and checked there.

<<At best there are old association directories, trade journals or ancient telephone books. In addition, if you are reasonably certain of where the business was located, you could check that city's archives; this information can sometimes be found it a public library. Since this is a lot of work, you might find it easier to consult books dealing with silver manufacturers; silver retailers are sometimes shown as a byproduct, or secondary listing, in these reference works.>> Great ideas. Thanks.

<<Additionally, many retailers are mentioned in the pocket watch and clock manufacturers' directories.>> Another great idea. I may begin a list of retailers and add as I encounter them in my research.

Thanks again for all your suggestions and for taking the time to respond. If I begin a list, I'll share it with the forum.