|
Hi Reni, I have 2 pieces marked sterling one is a hand mirror the other is a brush. How can id maker, pattern and date?
S.
|
|
Hi S,
The close up pictures of your pretty hand mirror and brush tell the whole story. They were made by the Gorham Mfg. Company, Providence, Rhode Island. Originally, there were more pieces to the set, which might include a comb, dresser jar, nail file, button hook etc... Gorham's history spans almost two centuries, and has always kept the highest standards. Jabez Gorham was born in 1792 and by his early 20's, with partners, had already purchased his own shop. By 1841, Gorham's son had joined the firm. John was among the first to use machine methods and retain a quality of hand craftsmanship. The famous trademark (lion - anchor- G) was registered in 1899, but they had used it since the mid century. The lion faced left before 1865. Dresser sets with floral patterns were most popular from the 1880's through the turn of the century. The pattern on your mirror and brush may be "Clematis", which was introduced in 1885. For more information on the Gorham Mfg. Company: Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, 4th ed., Dorothy J. Rainwater & Judy Redfield, Schiffer, 1998 Pg. 127-131 Gorham's archival records are a the John Hay Library at Brown University
|
|
|
|
Hello, I was recently give a sterling silver pitcher. It is monogrammed on the front, with intertwined letters (which ones, I can't make out) and the dates "1867 June 18th 1892". I assume it was a 25th wedding anniversary gift to someone. The bottom of the pitcher says the following:
8463 makers 2297 Sterling Silver M 5 3/4 pints Thank you so much for your help. A.M.
|
|
Dear A.M.,
One of the finest companies representing American Silver (and jewelry) is Tiffany & Co. The name says it all to collectors. The original stationary and gift shop was founded in 1837 by Charles L. Tiffany and John B. Young. One of the major manufacturers that supplied silver to Tiffany's was John C. Moore & Son, (Edward). By the early 1850's they had become a special part of the company. Tiffany adopted the English sterling standard in 1852. During the Civil war, Tiffany's became an arsenal for the Union and produced uniforms, badges, swords, etc...This patriotism would be apart of their history through other wars and historical events. Awards after awards were handed out at world exhibitions. Regular clients included J. P. Morgan and Diamond Jim Brady. The marks on the bottom of your pitcher were in use from 1875 - 1891. The numbers to the left of "MAKERS" are chronological pattern identifications. 8463 was probably registered in 1885. These marks coincide with the anniversary inscription. I can not put a value on your antique Tiffany & Co. sterling pitcher without seeing it, but it should be appraised for insurance purposes. You might want to contact Tiffany's directly for more information and the best people to repair the dent. They are proud of their archives and wonderful to deal with. One of the many good books to check out is: Tiffany Silver, by Charles H. Carpenter Jr. with Mary Grace Carpenter, Dodd, Mead, 1984. Even without seeing and touching, I just know you have a special piece of American silver!
Reni
|
|
|
|
Dear Ms. Reni, My husband found a silver piece in our lake. It looks like it's been there for some time. We started to clean it and found a stamp underneath reading "Meriden Brita Company" and I'm not sure if it's a date or what, but it has 1863, I think. It could be 18063, but the numbers are not clear. Is this possibly a piece even worth cleaning? If found something on the internet that looks similar, accept with a top and handles. I've included a photo of it for you to view. Please let me know your thoughts and how we should clean it? Thank you for all your help. Sincerely,
|
|
Dear J.R.,
This is an old piece of silver plate. It may be a waste bowl or bottom of a butter dish. The medallion motifs were popular in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, and then again at the turn of the 20th century. The lake corrosion may have taken it's toll on this bowl. Replating may cost more than it's worth. Take it to a local silversmith in your area to make sure.
Reni
|
|
|
|
Dear Reni, I collect vintage silver charms and bracelets directly from England. Some of the charms are so wonderfully detailed and delightfully whimsical that I would love to learn more about what some of them actually represent. I'd also like to find out more about some fo the silver makers who manufactured them. For instance, I have one that appears to be the ruins of a manor house or cathedral--that is, only one wall is intact, two other walls are crumbling, the roof is gone along with one other wall. It doesn't look like a castle but more like a cathedral. Does this charm represent crumbling and ancient English architecture or does it perhaps represent the Blitz when the Germans bombed London for weeks on end during WWII? There are no markings on this charm, as is often the case, especially with older charms, I've found. I do know that most English charms were made during the 60Ős and 70's. If you can recommend a good reference book or website for such information, it would be greatly appreciated! M.N.
|
|
Dear M.N.,
The "charm" worn as a protective amulet, dates back to ancient times. Silver charms, worn as sentimental mementos, can date through the 19th century. Charm bracelets, with thematic forms, were a 20th century trend which reached a height of popularity in the 1950's and 60's. My mother was a stewardess at that time and collected charms representing the destinations of her glamorous routes. It could be the English dealer that sold you the charms can help identify them. Charms were manufactured by the thousands on both sides of the ocean. I don't know if there were charms made to commemorate WWII bombing sites. The charm you describe probably depicts an historical site with ancient architecture. A charm produced in Birmingham, (a traditional manufacturing area in England) might have been commissioned by a gift shop affiliated with an Irish castle or Scottish ruin. Pictorial tourist guides may help identify your charm. In the fall, 2001 issue of "Adornment The Newsletter of Jewelry & Related Arts," there was a great cover article entitled, "The Charm Bracelet in Mid-20th century America", by Yvonne J. Markowitz, "Adornment" can be reached by mail: 133 A North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10804 U.S.A., Phone/Fax: 914-637-0087, E-mail: ekarlin@usa.net
|
|
Reni, My husband came home the other day with a present for me which he bought from an unclaimed baggage store. He said the clerk told him it was an incense holder. To me, it looks more like a cut flower holder. The back says: "Victorian Plate E.P. Copper 3985". It is about 6 inches in diameter with a scalloped edge with a very pretty design in the silver plate or whatever it is. There is a hole/vessel in the center about 2 inches deep with a lid with 12 holes which I think would have been perfect for small cut flowers. The holes are about the width of a pencil. I wasn't aware that the Victorians were lovers of incense, but I do imagine them admiring cut pansies! Can you shed any light on our mystery? Thanks for your time, PD
|
|
Dear P.D.,
You are right! The Victorians were fond of cut flowers. The insert with multiple small holes is called a "frog". A frog might have been made of heavy glass, porcelain or metal, and was sometimes attached to the container. The device was used to hold the flower stems upright in an arrangement. They work as well today as they did in the 19th century. Enjoy!
|
|
Hi Reni, I recently received a gift of a petite Georgian Serving and Salad Set (spoon and fork) which is a reproduction by Gerity of an 18th century museum piece, the original made in 1740 by James Wilkes, Golden Lane, London. Does Gerity Products have a website and approximately how much does this reproduction cost? Thank you, M
|
|
Hi M.,
The only information I have on Gerity Products, Inc. is a listing in the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers," by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1998, page 121. The company was (and maybe still is) based in Toledo, Ohio and advertised, "custom platers since 1898." Apparently, Gerity must have specialized in reproduction forms. I've had similar questions. I would need a closer examination to value your Gerity reproduction serving set. Thanks for the question,
|
|
|
|
Hi Reni, I recently received a gift of a petite Georgian Serving and Salad Set (spoon and fork) which is a reproduction by Gerity of an 18th century museum piece, the original made in 1740 by James Wilkes, Golden Lane, London. Does Gerity Products have a website and approximately how much does this reproduction cost? Thank you, M
|
|
Hi M.,
The only information I have on Gerity Products, Inc. is a listing in the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers," by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1998, page 121. The company was (and maybe still is) based in Toledo, Ohio and advertised, "custom platers since 1898." Apparently, Gerity must have specialized in reproduction forms. I've had similar questions. I would need a closer examination to value your Gerity reproduction serving set. Thanks for the question,
|
|
|
|
Hi Reni, I recently received a gift of a petite Georgian Serving and Salad Set (spoon and fork) which is a reproduction by Gerity of an 18th century museum piece, the original made in 1740 by James Wilkes, Golden Lane, London. Does Gerity Products have a website and approximately how much does this reproduction cost? Thank you, M
|
|
Hi M.,
The only information I have on Gerity Products, Inc. is a listing in the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers," by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1998, page 121. The company was (and maybe still is) based in Toledo, Ohio and advertised, "custom platers since 1898." Apparently, Gerity must have specialized in reproduction forms. I've had similar questions. I would need a closer examination to value your Gerity reproduction serving set. Thanks for the question,
|
|
|
|
Reni, I have this rhinestone pin of a lady smoking a cigarette and I was wanting some information about her. She is marked Sterling BB behind the pin and sterling on her hand. I would like to find out how old she is and who made her. If you can help, please respond. Also, I have one more question; what year was sterling silver no longer marked sterling and the 925 mark started to be used in the USA? Thank you so much! C.
|
|
|