|
|
Dear Reni, I recently acquired an unusual piece of Meriden Silver. It is a piece that stands 7" tall. It stands on 4 legs that have pawed feet. Four inches from the bottom up are squirrels on each leg with a disk behind them with a star on it. The top is a six sided shallow dish that measures 10" across. There are two small mounted birds. If you imagine a hexagon they are on the top and bottom of the hexagon. The left and right side is where a handle is mounted. The middle of the handle has a mounted fox head. Any idea what this might be?
H.
|
|
Dear H.,
The detailed description of your piece of Meriden silver plate is almost as helpful as a picture. At first, I thought you might have a Victorian nut bowl. Squirrels were often used as motifs. The birds and mounted fox on the handle support a more "sporting" theme. The center dish is shallow instead of a bowl or basked shape. You probably have a Victorian card receiver. it may have been placed in a men's club or parlor. The more figural it is, the more collectible. This is just a guess. I hope it helps.
|
|
Reni, I have a silver plate 11.5 inches in diameter. The mark is a cross next to a crown with a small diamond shape on the right. Above the crown is LBSCO and the no. 1650. I wonder where it was made and how old it is. Thanks,
|
|
Dear D,
Your silver plate serving tray was often referred to as a "waiter" in Victorian catalogs. Waiters were made to hold tea nd coffee sets, as well as aids to housewives in serving just about anything edible. Diameters usually range from ten to thirty inches. The company that manufactured your waiter was the Lawrence B. Smith Co., founded in 1887, the firm was out of business around 1958. They produced both sterling and silver plated wares. Thanks for your question. Reni
|
|
Hi Reni, I have searched and could not find any information on a sterling silver salt shaker I was recently given. The bottom reads, "Garden Silversmith, Ltd, weighted silver". Any information you could provide me with would be so helpful...even a value of any. Thank you so very much, I.S.
|
|
Hi I.S.,
Garden Silversmiths, Ltd. was listed in JCK (Jeweler's Circular Keystone) and New York directories in the 1960's and 1973. The firm succeeded the Arrowsmith Silver Corp., manufacturers from Brooklyn, New York. They owned the sterling dies belonging to the Apollo Silver Company (19th century) and Bernard Rice's Sons, listed in JCK 1922 - 24 and out of business by 1959. Quite often 20th century candle sticks, vases, shakers etc., were weighted with a composition material. There is less metal value but the weight in tableware pieces kept them from toppling over. It's hard to put a value on an unseen piece. Your sterling salt shaker would be worth more if the pepper shaker accompanied it. Salt "pits" silver. It is best not to leave the shaker filled for a long periods. Enjoy! Reni
|
|
Dear Reni, I have four forks with Simeon L & George H Rogers Company stamped on the back. Stamped below the name is "Solid silver metal". I saw one on another site that sold for $35.00, but the narrative called them sterling. Are these sterling? What are these and what are they worth? Thanks,
|
|
Dear R.,
As far as I know, Simeon L & George H Rogers Co. was in business around 1900, and produced only silver plate flatware patterns. The company was taken over by Wm. A. Rogers Limited in 1918 and Oneida in 1929. The words "solid silver" used in some trade names were a misnomer. They referred to the color of the base metal (nickel instead of copper) and not the silver content. I don't think I could sell individual silver plated forks from this era and company for $35.00 a piece. They would have to be a very "trendy" pattern.
Reni
|
|
Dear Reni, I have read your articles and I have really enjoyed them. I work for a Household & Estate company part time, and I am asked a lot of questions on silver. I would like to know if you could help me increase my knowledge to aide my customers in this area. I have a Borders and Barns & Nobles book store in the area, I have access to reading and purchasing books, if you could suggest some. The second question is: A friend of mine wishes to purchase an early early 1800's tea strainer. There is a marked 800, sterling on it, but not much else. Being 925 considered sterling, where does 800 fit into the scale? If it is not sterling, could you possibly explain the 800 mark.
G.
|
|
Dear G.,
It sounds like you have a fun part time job. The best way to learn about an artifact is to be in an environment where you can see, touch and examine pieces on a regular basis. There are many great books out there on silver identification. I will pass on a few of my favorites. "The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, 4th ed.," by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield, (Schifer, 1998) is one of the "Bibles" of 19th and 20th century American Company trademarks. Also, Rainwater and Fleger, "American Silver plate, 3rd ed." (Schiffer, 2000) is a great source in the research of Victorian forms so popular in that massive industry. "American Silver Marks," by Ralph and Terry Kovel (Crown 1989) is a good reference for early American silversmiths. This book is set up with an extensive bibliography. One of my very favorite books on early silversmiths has been out of print since 1937! Tardy's "International Hallmarks on Silver," is perfect to carry around and has been translated in print several times from French into English. Any book in its third or fourth reprint is usually a good indication of reliable information. Used book and library sales are great sources. Sometimes the older information is closer tot he source. The sterling system evolved from a group of 12th century German traders (Easterling). They paid for goods with coin and strictly controlled the silver content, sterling, (925) consists of 92-1/2% silver and 7-1/2% copper. The copper is used for hardening. The early 1800's tea strainer is silver not electroplate. 800 silver is made from 80% silver and 20% of other metals. A simile to gold alloys would be the difference in karat (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) Electroplate in both cases would be over another base metal. Your part time job could become a full time career. That's what happened to me! Reni
|
|
Hi Reni, My husband and I also have an old silver tea set stamped Homan Mfg. Co. and #3629. It has the teapot, sugar and creamer. Is this worth anything?
J. & D.
|
|
Hi J. & D.,
The Homan Manufacturing Company has a history dating back to 1847. Henry Homan and Asa F. Flagg formed a partnership in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the manufacture of pewter wares. Homan & Co. pieces were often marked "Flagg & Homan", at that time. After Henry died, his widow and sons ran the firm until 1887. During this period, they changed over a great deal of their production to electroplating with silver and sometimes gold. Homan & Co., became known for ecclesiastical designs (chalices, beakers, tankards, etc.). They also had commissions from Ohio - Mississippi river boats for equipment ranging from swivel lamps to water pitchers. In 1896, the firm was listed as the Homan Silver Plate Co., and between 1904 and 1915, they became the Homa Mfg. Co. They were out of business by 1941. Retail values on silver plate tea sets from early to mid 20th century range from $200.00 - $500.00. The higher end of this range of values reflect sets with interesting designs, complete with serving trays and they must be "mint". Enjoy, Reni
|
|
Hi Reni, My husband and I are in possession of a Reed & Barton Silver Water Pitcher stamped on the bottom is 3694 with a 0 stamped over the 4. Underneath those numbers is the number 7. I am not sure how old it is - can you help us? Is it worth anything?
J. & D.
|
|
Hello again J.and D.,
Reed & Barton is one of the oldest Silver companies in America. Water pitchers have always been popular. Between 1928 and 1957, they (R&B) marked each year with a different symbol on holloware pieces. The chart is in the encyclopedia previously referenced. Thanks for the questions, Reni
|
|
Hi Reni, I have a gold plated brush and mirror vanity set. It has blue stones covering the backs of both pieces. It is marked E&JB on the mirror connecting the handle. Any ideas?
R
|
|
Hi R,
The company that made your vanity set was E. & J. Bass, New York, New York. They were known to manufacture sterling, silver deposit and silver plated novelties from c-1890 - 1930. Gold plated accessories (including table and stem ware, dresser sets, perfume bottles, etc.) were "trendy" into the 1930's. If sterling was used as a base metal, then your brush and mirror would be marked as such, and the values considerably higher. The chandelier sounds interesting but lighting is not really my field. If the fruit is hand blown and wired, from France or Italy, I'm sure it has some value. A picture my help. Reni
|
|
Hi, I inherited a 1847 Rogers Bros 8 pc. silver plate set. The style Eternally Yours. I was just wanting to know if it had any real value. I don't plan to sell it, it's a set of my grandmothers and I plan to give it to my daughter. Thank-You for your time and consideration.
|
|
Hi D,
I'm not sure what eight pieces of silver plate you have. Your pattern, "Eternally Yours" was introduced 1941 by the International Silver Plate Company under the "1847 Rogers Bros." trademark. Silver plate flatware from this period doesn't have great secondary market value, Reasonably under $200.00 for a full get). The decorative and sentimental value probably exceed that, I have my grandmothers first set from the "Depression" years. I cherish and enjoy using it. Reni
|
|
Hi, Our family donated these spoons to Tyron Palace because they belonged to a descendant of Gov Richard Caswell, the first governor of NC. My cousin has spoons from the same set, slightly lager than these, which are 5-1/2 inches. On the back of her spoons is "Choate". The relative whose initials HMC are on the spoons was either Harriett Mcllwean Caswell (1810-62) or her mother (1779-1827). Can You Possibly tell me about the Choate mark? I see that Wallingford, where the Choate school is located, was an important silver center and many small companies joined to form Wallace Silver. But do you know anything specific about the Choate mark? Thank you for providing this wonderful service. I hope to hear from you. Gratefully,
|
|
Dear C.D.
Coin silver (900/1000 parts silver to 100/1000 parts copper) was used by early American silversmiths. Sterling (925/1000) was not widely adopted until after the 1860's. Baltimore used it earlier. The U.S. Government imposed the sterling standard with the Stamping Act of 1906. Your coin silver spoons are part of American history as well as your family lineage. I have found two silversmiths with the "Choate" name listed in "Kovel's American Silver Marks", by Ralph and Terry Kovel, Crown Publishers, Inc., 1989, pg. 72. Robert Choate worked in Philadelphia between 1829 and 1837. Stephen D. Choate was listed c-1841 and C-1852 in Louisville, Kentucky. A connection to the prestigious Choate School in Connecticut may exist but I haven't found one. Good Luck with further research. Reni
|
|
Hi, I recently purchased a group of silver plate items- a square tray has the stamping Sheets Rockford Co. 6044. I cannot find any information on this company. Can you help?
|
|
Dear S.L.
The Sheets-Rockford Silver Plate Co. succeeded the Rockford Silver Plate Co. (Rockford, Illinois) in 1925. They discontinued their flatware lines and continued on with silver plated holloware. Some time later, the factory became primarily a re-silvering plant and was listed in local directories until 1956. Reni
|
|
Hi, I just purchased the following item at an antique fair & hope you can tell me something about it. It's a silver plate mustache cup and saucer. The bottom of both pieces say:
Meridian CT Quadruple 15 USA scratch marks H25X0
|
|
Dear J.
Mustache cups were most popular through the second half of the 19th century. A bar or ledge was incorporated just below the inside of the rim of the vessel thus protecting those long "wisps" above the gentlemen's lips from saturation. Hand painted porcelain versions can value into the hundreds of dollars. Left handed cups were produced, rare to find and very collectible. Beware of reproductions. Your silver plate mustache cup is collectible more for form than content. William Rogers, Sr. and George W. Smith started "Rogers, Smith & Co." in 1857 to manufacture silver plate and britannia wares. The Meridian Britannia Co. purchased the holloware division in 1863. When the International Silver Company formed in 1898, "Rogers Smith & Co." was just a trademark still owned by the Meridian Britannia Co. Silver plate mustache cups from this era usually retail between $50.00 and $100.00 in good condition. Good find! Reni
|
|
Hello, I have a 1901 dated Wm Rogers silver plated coffee pot. I'd like to know what the material of the base might be made of as one leg is slightly bend upwards. I am wondering if the leaf can be slightly bent to make the four legs even. Body is silver plate over copper. its pattern name is engraved "Victorian Rose". Best and thanks,
|
|
Hi M.
Your "Victorian Rose" silver plate coffee pot probably needs a visit to the local silversmith to heal it's wounded leg. Silver plate is harder than solid silver to manipulate. Silversmiths have the proper tools. If a silversmith is hard to find in your area, try a local jeweler. Always ask for an estimate first. Good Luck, Reni
|
|
Hi, I am trying to identify a chafing dish purchased at an estate sale. The bottom of the main piece has a stamp with three shields lined up. One has a horse head in it, middle is faint, and the third shield looks like three maybe birds or ducks. On the opposite side the number 3045 is stamped on the rim. I can find no lettering identifying the maker. Would you know the maker and perhaps if this is silver plated or silver.
|
|
Hi P.,
The marks on your silver plate chafing dish belong to the Friedman Silver Co., Inc. based in Brooklyn, New York. The company began in 1908 and was known for holloware using Dutch inspired motifs. The Friedman Silver Company was purchased by Gorham Corporation in 1960. Thanks for the question, Reni
|
|
Dear Reni,
I have an antique teapot in Georgian style I believe, with the markings on the bottom that state - Benedict Mfg. Co - Quadruple plate, it also has three 8s stamped in the bottom.
Sincerely,
|
|
Dear S.,
The main headquarters of the Benedict Mfg. Co. was located in East Syracuse, New York. It was organized in 1894 as "MS Benedict Mfg. Co." with M. Stewart Benedict as president. The company became incorporated in 1902 and reorganized as "T.N. Benedict Mfg. Co." in 1906. Silver plate holloware was the major production in which the Benedict Mfg. Co., specialized, later including restaurant and hotel wares. During W.W.II, the factories were converted to war work. The company was out of business in 1953. The phrase "Quadruple plate" was not often used after 1910 -12. Your silver plate teapot was probably manufactured between 1894 and 1912. In good condition, the retail value would range between $50.00 - $95.00 in my area. Not too high a price to pay for an elegant Victorian tea time! Reni
|
|
Dear Reni, My grandmother recently passed away in Erie, PA. This item was in her house for as long as I can remember. My mother now has the piece. It was given to my great grandmother by a friend of the family much older than herself. On the bottom of the glass are the numbers "660/4" and under that "R190". On the base in a small circle stamp. In the center is, I believe, a Lion with a large mane. Around it are the words: "Meriden Silver Plate Company" "Quadruple Plate" We were wondering what this piece is, first and foremost, and secondly, curious as to what it may be worth. Any response would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
Dear D.S.,
Thanks for sending photos. They help to identify your piece as a silver plate "fruit stand", produced by the Meriden Silver Plate Company, somewhere between the late 1870's and 1890's. The hand painted ruffled insert bowl is made of "cased glass". Cased glass is composed of two or more layers of glass bonded together and usually one layer is white. Many glass houses in America and Europe worked with silver plate manufacturers to produce these whimsical table centerpieces. In the 1880's, you would expect to pay close to $20.00 for a fruit stand with decorated glass, our of a catalog. In today's market one might expect to pay $200.00 - $500.00 for the same piece in original condition. Truly a family Heirloom! Reni
|
|
Hello, I have 2 goblets that I can find no information on. The writing on the bottom of them say: FALES 1779-Italy. I can't tell what kind of metal they are but they look like they were cast. IÕve looked in all my books and all over the net. Can't find anything. Any information for me? Thanks,
|
|
Hi A.T.,
Your goblets are probably electroplate over white metal or sometimes brass. Although made in Italy, "Fales" may not be the manufacturer, it could be the trade name, pattern or retailer. The retailer could be a department store or gift shop. They might have commissioned as a promotional by a wine company. Since your goblets are not silver, the values would not be to high to enjoy using them. Reni
|
|
Hi Reni, I found some of your responses to other owners for value of FB Rogers pieces. I actually have a piece dated 1883 and wonder if your 1886 is correct? Also, I have a coffee and tea pot and sugar and creamer bowl, do you know the value of these four pieces? They are all in excellent condition. I actually bought them in Suzano, Brazil when I lived there 15 years ago. Just today I looked at the bottom and found they were made in Taunton, Mass., with a crown and year of 1883 on the bottom of the coffee pot. Thanks so much. Cordially,
|
|
Hi C.S.,
F.B. Rogers was organized in 1883 in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. They became incorporated in 1886 after moving to Taunton, Mass. The "1883" dates on your pieces are part of the trademarks used well into the 20th century. Values on tea sets are from $200 - $400 with a tray. Reni
|