Silver identification - SMP Silver Salon Forums

SM Publications

Silver Salon Forums - The premier site for discussing Silver.

SMP | Silver Salon Forums | SSF - Guidelines | SSF - FAQ | Silver Sales

In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate.

Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look.

How to Post Photos

Want to be a Moderator?

SMP Silver Salon Forums
tline

British / Irish Sterling
tline3

Silver identification

profile | register | preferences | faq | search

SSFFriend: Email This Page to Someone!

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Author	Topic: Silver identification
george Posts: 19 Registered: Oct 99	posted 08-31-2001 09:14 PM I have six silver water glass holders that I would like to have identified. The markings are as follows: N.S.; an Anchor; a lion rampant facing to the left; and a "C". All of these hallmarks are enclosed in an oblong rounded corder square. Does the N.S. mean nickle silver or the initials of silversmith. Any help would be appreciated. George IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 09-01-2001 10:30 AM Hi, This is a bit difficult, and we will need more information. Is each mark in a separate square, or are they all together in one square? Rampant means standing on his back paws, like in the British royal family crest. Do you mean lion rampant, or lion passant, which is standing on three legs with one raised? The lion passant is used in England to denote the sterling standard. NS often stands for nickel silver, but there might also be a silversmith with those initials. We would need to see the marks to be sure. A picture would be very helpful. Brent IP: Logged
george Posts: 19 Registered: Oct 99	posted 09-01-2001 12:29 PM Thanks for your prompt response. The hallmarks are all in separate squares. The N.S. is in a long square. The ANCHOR, LION (I was in error as it is a Lion Passant facing left) and the Large "C" are in separate squares. I have all the equipment to send photos but haven't mastered how to use it yet. I appreciate your help and hope this info is of some help in identification. ------------------ IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 09-01-2001 09:54 PM So far, your marks are consistent with sterling silver made in Birmingham, England. The lion passant denotes sterling, the anchor is the town mark for Birmingham, and the C would be a date letter. A few more questions: Are all the marks close together in a nice, neat line, or are they punched a bit randomly? Do the rectangles around each mark (except the N.S.) have a little point at the bottom? Can you describe the shape of the surrounds exactly? Is the capital C just a normal letter, or is it "italicized"? The shapes of the surrounds and the forms of the letters are the only way to correctly pin down a date for English sterling. If I had to guess, I would wager that your pieces were made in 1927-28, but it could be 1902-03 as well. If it is English sterling, N.S. would be the maker's initials. Unfortunately, most 19th and 20th century silversmiths of average ability and output are rather hard to track down. If one of our other participants has the proper reference books, they might be able to identify the maker. Not having seen the marks, I must add the caveat that it might not be sterling at all. Still, the information you have provided so far points in that direction. Brent IP: Logged
george Posts: 19 Registered: Oct 99	posted 09-02-2001 11:34 AM Thanks again for the additional information. The hallmarks squares all have a little point on the bottom and all three are in a neat little row. The last hallmark "C" is a large capital C and it has a little rounded nib on beginning of the top. I guess this pretty well establishes that they are English sterling. Your help has been really appreciated. George ------------------ IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 09-02-2001 07:30 PM The rounded bit at the tip of the C makes me suspect it might be the 1902-03 date mark. Regardless, it is almost certainly English sterling from Birmingham. Birmingham had some prolific manufacturers, and they were prime producers of small novelties like boxes, card cases, mechanical pencils, dog collars, and jewellery. Your cup holders would fall neatly into this category. Please post a picture of the pieces and marks when you have a chance. We would love to see them. Glad we could be of help. Brent IP: Logged

All times are ET	next newest topic \| next oldest topic
Administrative Options: Close Topic \| Archive/Move \| Delete Topic
	Hop to:

Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46a

^1. Public Silver Forums (open Free membership) - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. Once you have received your Silver Salon Forum password, and then if you abide by the Silver Salon Forum Guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the New Members' Forum. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums.
Click here to Register for a Free password

^2. Private Silver Salon Forums (invitational or $ donation membership) - The Private Silver Salon Forums require registration and special authorization to view, search, start a thread or to post a reply. Special authorization can be obtained in one of several ways: by Invitation; Annual $ Donation; or via Special Limited Membership. For more details click here (under development).

^3. Administrative/Special Private Forums (special membership required) - These forums are reserved for special subjects or administrative discussion. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post.

| Home | Order | The Guide to Evaluating Gold & Silver Objects | The Book of Silver