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 Letter "N" marked on antique Tiffany hollow ware
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| Author | Topic: Letter "N" marked on antique Tiffany hollow ware |
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InspectorMorse Posts: 3 |
posted 08-23-2024 05:04 PM
  
Hi all -- I tried to upload photos but couldn't figure out the process unfortunately. I have a Tiffany sterling vase, shaped like a bulb, about 5.5" tall and 3" across the bulb part. The markings are: My research indicates that the 171 is the pattern number, which places it in the 1851-1855 range. It certainly looks like it could be of that era. The markings are quite faded. I am really curious about the letter "N" marking. I am aware that for roughly a century Tiffany marked pieces with the initial of the director's surname. However, "N" does not correspond to any of the directors. Any help anyone can give on further identifying this piece, including the mysterious "N", would be appreciated. Amazingly, I have a second Tiffany piece, this one a heart-shaped pin cushion with velvet cushion. This also includes the mark "N". The full markings are: Any assistance greatly appreciated! IP: Logged |
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Mod assistant Forum Master Posts: 3 |
posted 08-23-2024 05:22 PM
See: How to Post Photos in the SSFPG. IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2396 |
posted 08-23-2024 09:36 PM
Silver Solderis explained at this post. I think many manufacturers used that term on their silver plated items. [This message has been edited by ahwt (edited 08-23-2024).] [This message has been edited by ahwt (edited 08-23-2024).] IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2396 |
posted 08-25-2024 12:46 PM
This is pure speculation but from another post the N may simply designate Newark. This post “Thomas Shaw, trained in the plating factories of Birmingham, moved to the US in time to help Gorham set up their plating factory in Providence; then hired away by Tiffany & Co. to set up their plating factory--IN PROVIDENCE! Soon moved to Newark (Adams & Shaw) and set up Tiffany's exclusive-use plating factory on Mulberry Street (in the jewelry district)by 1870s. Thomas Shaw ran Tiffany's plating works until the big new Forest Hill factory opened in 1893. Thomas Shaw's son, Frank, did the chasing on the silver plated tea table that Tiffany showcased in Chicago at the 1893 world's fair.” Since Tiffany’s only silver plated supplier was located in Newark the N may simply refer to this city. This post was by Ulysses Dietz. IP: Logged |
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InspectorMorse Posts: 3 |
posted 08-25-2024 02:37 PM
Thanks for your suggestion. I think it's a good idea. I wondered about the Newark angle myself. The only thing that I still can't figure out is how the "N" mark could be on two such different pieces. The vase is sterling, and I think it's from 1851-1855. The pin cushion is electroplated, and I think it's from 1887-1888. If the "N" does indicate the Newark period of electroplating, the mark on the pin cushion makes sense. But I don't know if it makes as much sense for the earlier, sterling vase. Anyways - thanks for the input! IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2396 |
posted 08-26-2024 11:21 AM
Are you referring to the 154102558324 item on eBay. The vase shown there does not have a Tiffany mark used by Tiffany. Maybe a retailer’s mark. IP: Logged |
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InspectorMorse Posts: 3 |
posted 08-26-2024 11:45 AM
That vase on eBay is identical to the one I own, but it's not the same one. Mine was purchased on eBay about 10-15 years ago. So are you saying they are fakes, lol? That would be interesting. At the same time, the Tiffany pin cushion that I own, whose markings I described above, clearly seems to correspond to standard Tiffany markings (pattern #, order # etc) -- and that piece also has the marked letter "N" at the bottom. It remains a bit of a mystery, it seems. Thanks for replying! InspectorMorse IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2396 |
posted 08-26-2024 02:18 PM
Not really fakes as they may have been made by someone other that their normal suppliers. These silver cups are ones that I brought some time ago that do not have the regular markings. They may have been made by someone that was a one time supplier to Tiffany. [This message has been edited by ahwt (edited 08-26-2024).] IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1655 |
posted 10-14-2024 04:08 PM
I cannot say anything about your vase without seeing it but as to whether there are fake Tiffany items out there the answer is yes, there are abundant Tiffany fakes floating around and have been for a very long time. Tiffany is perhaps the most faked maker of them all. Some of the more common fakes are objects that have substantial age but that were unmarked or had marks removed and then Tiffany marks added. Also, silver plated items that have had the word 'STERLING' added to increase their sale values. Buying Tiffany marked items can be a minefield unless you are very familiar with the real ones. IP: Logged |
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