posted 02-17-2006 01:33 AM            

The piece is a handled cup holder with bright-cut decoration in the art nouveau style. The touchmarks: an M followed by a five-point star, within the star is a hammer and sickle, followed by 875. The other mark is shaped like a road sign pointing to the right that contains four letters; F, R, X or Y, AND K.

Does anyone know the mark?

Thanks in advance.

posted 02-17-2006 01:57 PM            

Tom
Russian cyrillic alphabet

posted 02-17-2006 10:09 PM            

The item is not with me so I can't get better description of the Cyrillic letters at this time. The other touch marks must be F, something that looks like an R, X, and K. These letters are in a horizontal recess that is pointed at the right end of it...like a right turn road sign of yore. Does that help? Will take a rubbing or a photo and narrow it down more precisely and post at a later time.

Again, many thanks for your welcomes and information.

posted 02-22-2006 07:23 AM            

Behavior of this kind will ruin this site!

posted 02-22-2006 10:50 PM            

Sorry, I must have missed the rule that states an item must be in your hand to post about it. I appreciate your informative reply prior to your last bitter bit. I have no intention of damaging the SILVER SALON FORUMS, the site is very much appreciated and respected. Your most recent reply was harsh, rude, and misplaced. My post was made after examining a piece of silver that belongs to a friend. I drew likenesses of the marks and relayed them to the best of my ability in my post. The Cyrillic letters were rough, at best, and I relayed as close as was possible what I saw on the tea cup holder. As a pewter collector, there are many, many, times that I would do the same, and later consult a fellow collector, or a book of touch marks, such as PEWTER IN AMERICA. IT'S MAKERS AND THEIR MARKS, by Ledlie Laughlin. Very often touch marks are incomplete and frequently not legible. Often a partial touch is nearly as good as a full touch in identifying the maker. Technique and style can also be a "Signature". I would have looked it up myself if I had any Russian Silver Touch marks Books. However, I do have most Pewter touch mark books. Feel free to send along any questions regarding pewter touch marks that you might have and I'll look it up for you. You see, I enjoy this. It's like detective work and all the time more knowledge is gained in doing it.

posted 02-23-2006 03:47 AM            

Part of the reason I visit here is the usually polite and considerate interplay between members. You have made more of an effort than most to explain your pieces and your interest. As someone with an interest in pewter and a very small collection, your offer of help in what is to me, a very confusing area, is very much appreciated. This is, without doubt, a discussion group with some very knowledgeable participants, advanced collectors in their chosen areas of interest. Their kind assistance is always appreciated. Would hate to think that folks like me, with modest collections and knowledge, or newbies with their infectious enthusiasm would be made to feel unwelcome. Looking forward to more of your posts, believe you'll find us, on the whole, a pretty friendly group.

posted 02-23-2006 02:31 PM            

I've learned not to let things "stew" and prefer to nip resentments in the bud and let them go, as I have.

I'm anxious to find out more about my silver wax seal and have posted some photo's thanks to Scott Martin's kind help.

Happy hunting!