Unusual Markings on English Sterling Silver

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Unusual Markings on English Sterling Silver

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Author	Topic: Unusual Markings on English Sterling Silver
Waylander Posts: 131 Registered: Sep 2004	posted 10-18-2004 09:36 AM Hello all A couple of recent acquisitions have been puzzling me, so I have decided to share the puzzlement around; 1) Sterling silver penknife with Sterling Silver Blade. Marked IT, Kings Duty Mark and Lion Passant. Mark looks to be that of Joseph Taylor of Birmingham (Jacksons' Pocket Ed, p91). However, was wondering if anyone can guesstimate why there were was no date letter OR town mark. Can understand if it was going to Chester, but am surprised by a lack of a date letter. Anyone? 2) Sterling Silver tongs. Fine condition, maker's mark (on one side of the inside of the tongs) can be made out to be SA (probably Stephen Adams). Opposite is Lion Passant. No town mark, date letter or Duty Mark (if applicable). It was sold to me as being circa 1770, which would explain the lack of a duty mark (I have seen on another Adam's tongs the Lion Passant, the maker's mark and the Duty Mark only). Can understand why no town mark (as it was a London piece) but no date letter? Initially I thought it may be incomplete stamping and/or it was part of a set, the rest of which would be more fully stamped. Any suggestions welcome. Waylander IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 10-18-2004 02:09 PM There have been a number of discussions in the British Forum on uncompletely marked items. This one deals with undated spoons: Undated Georgian teaspoons IP: Logged
Silver Lyon Posts: 363 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 10-22-2004 01:15 PM Although the duty is introduced in 1784 - it is not necessesary for tongs before 1791 - so your tongs are made between before 1791. If they are bow type they are probably c.1790!! IP: Logged
Silver Lyon Posts: 363 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 10-22-2004 01:17 PM Sorry, in too much of a hurry. No date letter because small. No Duty because small. No town mark because small. Date probably c.1780-1790 not as above but certainly pre 1791. IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 10-22-2004 01:34 PM quote: Sorry, in too much of a hurry. Welcome to the Forums, Silver Lyon. Your expertise is certainly welcome, but no need to rush. You needen't confine yourself to the most recent postings -- feel free to work back through the older postings in the British Forum as time permits, for there are undoubtedly loose ends that could use tidying up by someone with your interests. IP: Logged
Waylander Posts: 131 Registered: Sep 2004	posted 10-23-2004 02:31 AM Silver Lyon, Your expertise is much appreciated. What do you mean by "bow type"? Waylander IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 10-23-2004 12:59 PM Bow tongs are one piece, bent in the middle to be closed by squeezing, and spring open when released, as opposed to the earlier two piece scissors type, which have finger loops at the top and are hinged where the two arms cross. IP: Logged
Waylander Posts: 131 Registered: Sep 2004	posted 10-23-2004 10:43 PM Silver Lyon Bow type tongs they are, circa 1790 they therefore be! Waylander IP: Logged
Silver Lyon Posts: 363 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 10-24-2004 09:22 AM I posted another reply concerning this problem, but not being clever with these things (sites) can't find it! Your knife is almost certainly SHEFFIELD. These knives were made with silver blades so that when travelling or picnicking the owner could eat fruit without the acid in the fruit reacting with a steel blade and ruining the taste. They were popular c.1790-1910. Yours had a king's head, so will pre-date 1837 and sounds c.1800 - what is the shape of the punch around the head? 95% of these were made in Sheffield (my figure, and not scientific, but just to give an idea) The frustrating part is that they are often fully marked, but the other marks are at the other end of the blade (to discourage fraud), hidden by the handle - this is a proven theory from examining broken or damaged ones. I can't think of an IT - is there any chance that your maker could be TL ? - This is Thomas Law, a prolific maker. IP: Logged

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