I am unable to identify this particular hallmark on a decanter stand

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I am unable to identify this particular hallmark on a decanter stand

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Author	Topic: I am unable to identify this particular hallmark on a decanter stand
parishhall unregistered	posted 10-10-2003 07:19 AM [01-1249] I have a sterling silver decanter stand I think. the hallmarks are what appears to be a beaver in a shield, the letter A, in a shield, a crown in a shield and the makers marks JS&S. Thank you, Vanesa IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 10-10-2003 11:36 AM Canadian, possibly around 1898. IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 10-10-2003 12:04 PM Interesting, Vathek! Do you have a reference for it? There was an earlier discussion of this "family" of marks in the Silverplate Forum (Hallmark Identification). IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 10-10-2003 01:52 PM Tardi. The first two may be silver, but the A1 (c) is silver plate. IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 10-10-2003 04:43 PM Tardy? All I find there are the crumbs on page 91 (1985 printing). If there is more please point us to it. To me, that Tardy information alone doesn't prove its being Canadian. What could point in that direction is that (b) and (c) and presumably Vanessa's piece (picture on Sympatico) were found in Canada. But it may mean only that an English maker used a particular mark for exports to Canada ("they like beavers - let's give them one!" ). The fact that the Unitts were unable to document their one entry for 'JS&S' also is something to consider. Silver or silverplate? Items (b) and (c) are silverplated - what about (a) and Vanessa's piece? (b) has a pseudo yearletter 'A'; these two other ones also have letters 'A'. Are they genuine yearletters for sterling with both items made in the same year or are they pseudo letters like the one on (b)? Which is more probable? IP: Logged
parishhall unregistered	posted 10-10-2003 08:28 PM Thank you Vathek and Arg(um)entum. I was under the impression the the ever famous "Canadian Beaver" was used from about 1800-1880s. When Canada was under French rule marks were similar to those in France. From 1898 on, the lions head in a C became the national mark. I appreciate all of your help and will check this site to see any more information has been posted. By the way this piece is a 3 bowl condiment set and weighs approximately 42 ounces. I will post a photo of the piece tomorrow, maybe that will help. Thank you vanesa IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 10-10-2003 09:34 PM "... .Canadian Beaver" was used from about 1800-1880s. " I only have the one source to go by, the Unitts' book. Based on it, I'd say the beaver didn't come into use as a mark on silver until the middle of the 19th century and it is impossible to tell from it for how long its use continued. I'm sure there are some collectors out there who have a good idea. If only they'd speak up. IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 10-10-2003 10:47 PM George Mappin's book on English silverplate marks ascribes these marks to John Sherwood & Sons of Birmingham, England, ca. 1858 to the early 20th Century. The JS&S, the beaver and the crown seem to appear in most of the Sherwood marks; the letter varies. I'm not sure why they used a beaver in the mark; it might have had some family significance. I'm afraid I don't think there is any connection to Canada in this case. There were a number of early Canadian silversmiths who used a beaver in their marks, but this is not one of them. Brent IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 10-11-2003 02:48 AM Thank you, Brent, for identifying the 'JS&S' mark and its use of the beaver. The Unitts' book doesn't strike me as scholarly, so I wouldn't place any bets based on it. Still, it's a source. They show very few beavers, all of them for Ontario companies probably existing no earlier than mid-19thC. Do you have a source showing beavers earlier than that or for other locations? TIA! IP: Logged
parishhall unregistered	posted 10-11-2003 08:46 AM Good morning, Here is a photo of the"beaver piece"I believe it to be some sort of a condiment stand. Please correct me if I am wrong and what is the proper name for it. The edges have a cast and applied motif. Thank you Vanesa IP: Logged
ozfred Posts: 87 Registered: Sep 2002	posted 10-12-2003 10:30 PM Canadian Beaver was also used by an Australian retail jeweler, based in Sydney since 1883, Fairfax & Roberts, in conjunction with their 'Fx&R' and standard mark. IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 10-13-2003 03:29 AM Thanks Fred! That's surprising. Would you have a picture so that we can be on guard against kangaroos in beaver pelts? IP: Logged
2209patrick Posts: 37 Registered: Mar 2006	posted 10-08-2011 06:51 PM IP: Logged

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