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Dear Reni,
I have a rather extensive collection of vintage sterling, silver plated and pewter liquor flasks. Recently I received two flasks with the manufacturers mark E&J.B on the spouts.
Sincerely, R.L.
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Dear R.L.,
The E&J.B trademark belongs to E.& J. Bass, New York. They were manufacturers of sterling, silver plate and silver deposit wares, and some jewelry. They were in business in 1890 and by 1900 they had purchased tools, dies, trademarks, etc... from two other firms (Reeves & Browne and Bachrach & Freedman). Unfortunately, they did not survive "The Depression". Hope this helped, Reni
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Hi Reni, I have just received a tea setting from my grandmother I'm told that it is very old. The information that I have is limited. The bottom of the ray says, in scroll, "Essay Canada" under which it also says E.P. copper lead mounts #1060. On the teapot it says Victorian Plate E.P. copper B.M mounts #388. Anything you can tell me about this would be great. Thanking you in advance, T.S.
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Dear T.S.,
I found a short listing for the Essay company in the Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, 4th ed., by authors Dorothy T. Rainwater and Judy Redfield., Schiffer Publishing, 1998, pg 107. Essay was a Canadian company. We are not sure where they were based. The mark you describe was used the 1950's. "E.P. Copper" means the piece was electroplated over copper and "B.M." stands for base metal (mounts). Enjoy your tea set! Reni
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Dear Miss Reni, I am considering purchasing a silver tea set. Coffee pot, tea pot, creamer and sugar. The asking price is $125.00. The bottom is marked as follows: 1881 Rogers Glenrose I know a little about china, but nothing about silver. I loved the set, but before I buy it I want to make sure I am not going to over pay. Also, they told me it was sterling, but how would I know? Thank you for your help. DI
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Dear DI,
The 1881 Rogers (Glenrose pattern) tea set is silver plate, not sterling. The trademark was first used by Wm. A. Rogers, Ltd. around 1910. Even without a tray and waste bowl, the price would still be a fair retail price in my area. Make sure it's in good condition, check hinges and finials. Enjoy, Reni
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Dear Reni, I purchased (at an antique store) a Reed & Barton two handled cup that has a lid. It is #3340, states "Mfd and plated by Reed & Barton". I was told by the Reed & Barton company that it's sometimes known as "Italian". It has what appears to be a devils face engraved four times around the cup itself. The lid has what appears to be a crown as the finials. I would like to know the value, and where I can obtain more. The person at Reed & Barton said that she thought that "oddly enough", baby cups were made with this same pattern, and that this pattern was used around 1880. Any assistance you can proved would be much appreciated. It is truly a unique item, and I would like to collect more. Thanks D.B.
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Dear D.B.
Sounds like the Reed & Barton Company was very helpful. A pattern produced in the 1880's will be a little hard to hunt down, but that's half the fun. Small pieces in this pattern shouldn't be to expensive in silver plate, probably between $25.00 and $50.00 in my area. Try searching Ebay and replacement companies, such as Replacements, Ltd... 1800-replace or www.replacements.com Good Luck, Reni
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Dear Reni, I recently acquired a neat old locket with a picture inside that looked to me like it was from the 20's or 30's. No markings except 09 or 29 etched in the inside on the top and the bottom. The etching looked like it was done by the person who owned or gave the locket, could be year or ??? Being curious thinking there might be something written on the picture, I removed the picture and behind that on the inside of the locket was a small circle with the markings W & H Co. inside a heart and also says pat. March 12, 1907. Was just wondering if you know any history or facts on this company or even if you have heard of them. I would appreciate any info you might have on them or give me infor on where to look for info on them. Thank you, A.C.
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Dear A.C.,
Your antique locket was manufactured by Whitman & Hough Company in Providence, Rhode Island. The partnership started in 1856. Whitman passed away in 1893. After his interest was acquired, the company was incorporated. The Hough family continued to run the firm at least through 1919. The last listing dates to 1922. They produced a mid-line range of gold plate and sterling jewelry, including lockets, fobs and other novelties. Reni
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Reni, I am trying to find information on a jewelry manufacturing company, Riker Bros. in Newark, New Jersey. I understand they manufactured high end 14k gold pins, stick pins, etc...at the turn of the century. I have a pair of beautiful silver napkin rings with multi-colored gold inlays. They are unmarked as to the manufacturer, but show a Patent date of Jan. 22, 1878. A review of the patents issued on that date show a patent issued to William Riker for an unusual inlaying technique for jewelry, pins and napkin rings. It must be the same man and company. Any information would be helpful. Thanks, R.V.
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Dear R.V.,
Riker Bros. were one of several Newark, New Jersey firms work in Art Nouveau styles by the turn of the last century. A piece marked with the Riker Bros. "R" hovering over a scimitar is a very collectible find. The chronology of William Riker and the Riker Bros. company spans almost a century, from 1846 until the last listing found in 1943. William Riker patented two processes for surface ornamentation on jewelry, including finger rings. He was issued other patents involving mechanical processes; one for a better "sash fastener". These were probably the 1870's patents found listed. I haven't found information on the manufacture of napkin rings. Many people and companies were influenced by the "Japonaiserie craze" and the Aesthetic Movement in the 1870's, including Tiffany. For more information on Riker Bros., check out the Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., PO Box 540, Newark, NJ 07101-0540. The museum sponsored a wonderful exhibit in 1997 with an accompanying catalog, The Glitter and The Gold, edited by Ulysses Grant Dietz. Reni
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Hello Reni, I just received in the mail a water pitcher with an American mark at the bottom. I have 3 questions: 1. Question is to date the pitcher made by Wilcox Silver Plate Co., with 2 hammers crossing each other in the middle. All this surrounded by a circle and outside the circle is indicated "Quadruple Plate" on top, bottom, Meriden, Conn.. I happen to have in my library a book called: "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" written by Dorothy T. Rainwater (excellent book). On page 226, I identified the mark. The book identifies "Wilcox Silver Plate Co." from 1867 to 1868. Kindly request to confirm the date of this very beautiful/excellent condition pitcher. A picture could be emailed to you at your request. 2. Two different numbers are engraved below the mark - one made by the factory or #5179 and another carved by hand in the silver plate or #3488. Is this a model # of the factory or a number representing quantity #? Could you help me? 3. I would greatly appreciate if you also put a market value to the item. My wife and I are anxiously awaiting for your answers. Thank you very much in advance.
Warmest regards,
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Hello D.M.J.,
The Wilcox Silver Plate Co. started in 1867. The company trademark (crossed hammers in full circle and variations) on your pitcher remained in use through the acquisition of Parker & Casper Co. in 1869 and the formation of the International Silver Co. in 1898. The half circle mark was not used until the 1920's. The trademark changed again in 1961 (Webster-Wilcox). Silver plate water pitchers were popular through out the last half of the 19th century, and well into the 20th. A style description and/or picture would help me to date your piece. #5179 might be the pattern and/or model number. Information on company codes is not easy to find, even when archives are accessible. This number does not represent a patent. The hand engraved number might be an owner's inventory sequence. This is not uncommon. A plain 20th century water pitcher may only be worth $50.00. An ice water set, from the Victorian period, with tilting stand, figural handles, tray and tumblers, would easily retail for $500.00 and up. Reni
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Reni, My wife found a small sterling silver, what looks like a stemmed candy dish, maybe 6" across. It has a stamp on the bottom with a crest that says "international silver company", and another stamp that says CHIPPENDALE. Also, there is a number engraved on the edge of the bottom, M32401. Can you tell me anything about it? Thank you very much!
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Dear M.P.,
Pedestal compotes were popular all through the first half of the 20th century. If it is not stamped sterling, it's probably silver plate. "Chippendale" is the pattern. Several companies produced variations of this pattern in both sterling and silver plate. (Please refer to the article in the back issues, Journal section, Sept/Oct 2001 on silver/silver plate for additional information) Reni
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Dear Reni, A friend has a silver spoon about which she can find no information. She has taken it to a number of antique valuers but no-one is interested in it. I have attached the photo she sent me. Clearly the head is of Queen Victorian but we can't work out who the picture in the spoon itself is. My friend also tells me that although there is a hallmark - she can't make it out. Any advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks,
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Dear G.,
I am not an expert on English commemoratives. Your spoon with the older Queen Victoria on the top, probably depicts the younger version in the bowl. Twisted handles on souvenir type spoons were popular near the turn of the 20th century. This would coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. I can not identify the spoon as sterling or silver plate without seeing the hallmarks. It may have been part of a (demitasse) set. Reni
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Reni, I have a set of silver candlesticks that I would like to know more about. The marks are: EP then a three leaf clover with stars in the leaves, NS. Under this are the numbers 3 7 1 2 0, then under that is K. Any idea of what the value is? I would appreciate it. Thank you,
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Dear B.J.,
The clover mark on your candlesticks is the registered trademark belonging to Barker Bros., Birmingham, England. This manufacturer's lineage span's two centuries.
Reni
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Dear Reni, A friend found this spoon in a load of shell delivered to a parking lot in Louisiana from the gulf (Louisiana) about 10 years ago. It appears to be made of copper or brass. It is very light in weight and the tip of the handle has been mashed making it very thin, but leaving some detail as shown in the picture. The only markings are the words, "S.S. Austin 8" on the back of the handle. The spoon is 8- 1/4" long, 1" wide at end of handle and the bowl measures 1-1/2" wide x 3" long. Please help us to identify the piece and it's origin. Any information would be appreciated. Sincerely,
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Dear D.D.,
I'm afraid the salt and hell have taken their toll on your standard Fiddle-tip pattern table or serving spoon. The little devil probably "jumped ship" a while ago and immigrated to your Louisiana parking lot. Unless the S.S. (steamship) Austin has a provenance in history, I don't think we're talking about a lot of value. Thanks, Reni
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Dear Reni, Have you ever heard of H.E. Baldwin & Co.? My wife found this name on the back of a spoon and could find it no where else. Thank you,
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Dear GLU,
I have found several Baldwin Companies listed in my American Silver sources, (Baldwin & Co., Newark, NJ, Baldwinn & Jones, Baldwin & Miller Inc., Baldwin, Ford & Co. New York, Baldwin, Miller Co., Inc. Indianapolis and The Baldwin Silver Corp. New York), but no H.E. Baldwin & Co. This company was probably a retailer (Dept. Store or Gift Store) and not a manufacturer. Reni
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Dear Reni, I hope you can please tell me what type of serving piece this is. I'm thinking maybe a cracker scoop but, I am not sure. It measures 9-1/2" in length and at the widest par of the serving portion is 3-1/2" in length. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Sincerely,
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Dear T,
Isn't it wonderful how the older serving pieces were made for specific foods. Although design and size varied with manufacturers and patterns, basic forms stayed true to their function. I'm sure you're right, your "Rogers 1847" serving piece is a cracker scoop. The "Charter Oak" pattern was introduced in 1906. Cracker scoops were still popular then. The tomato servers would have the flat pierced base but, were usually larger and round. Pea, berry, and ice spoons are similar in design but, have deeper bowl shaped bases. It's a lovely piece! Enjoy,
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Reni, I am trying to find out who made a silver spoon I have. It has a globe with a fork knife and spoon. The date is 1851 which is over the top of the globe and 1890 is under the bottom. The pattern on the spoon is grapes. I would love to know the name of the spoon, if you have it. Thanks,
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Hi, L.A.,
The date logo in the trademark of your spoon maybe 1857, instead of 1851. If so, then it belongs to American Silver Company, Bristol, Connecticut. The company was started in 1901, succeeding the Holmes & Tuttle Mftg. Co., and the Bristol Brass & Clock Co. The American Silver Co., Specialized in flatware and cutlery. They serviced a good part of the food industry such as hotels, restaurants etc... They were purchased by the International Sliver Co, in 1935.
Reference: Rainwater, Dorothy T. and Redfield, Judy, Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers 4th Ed. Schiffer, 1998
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Reni, I acquired a tree-piece set of silver plated Towle Knife Rests (two rests and one holder for 12 knives). However, I have been unable to locate any information on them, such as age, pattern name, and value. Could you possibly enlighten me? Thanks,
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Dear B,
The Towle Manufacturing Company can trace it's lineage back to the 1600's through two silversmith families, Moulton and Towle. Their home base was Newburyport, Massachusetts. The trademark of a lion standing in the letter "T" was introduced around 1890. Towle manufactured silver plate patterns between 1906 and 1909. Their sterling patterns were generally more popular "old Master" was produced for over fifty years. Towle filed for Chapter 11 in 1986 and again in 1990. The Towle trade marks, patent rights, tools, dies etc...are now owned by Syratech Corporation, East Boston, Massachusetts. The company is again producing sterling, stainless and silver plate. Reni
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Hi, I have been all over town looking for information on this cup. I have learned it is a wager cup. I cannot find any markings, I assume its a Victorian piece because it's so elaborate. Is it old or new, I have no idea? Any help would be much appreciated. It also has a stone in the back, any thoughts. I think it may be silver plated.
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Dear GLU,
Hi B.L., Wager cups (or wedding cups) date back to the 16th century. Reproductions were popular through the 18th and 19th centuries. The vessel would often take the design of a woman with a long skirt holding a cup over her head. When the cup is turned over, the woman's skirt becomes a much larger cup. A traditional ceremony would have the bride drink from the small and the groom toast her from the larger side. By the second half of the 19th century, wager cups were produced in silver plate as well as silver. Check again for any silver assay or marker marks. Maybe a local silversmith or antique dealer/appraiser will help. The metal content (as well as age and condition) will make a difference in the value of your piece. A nice example in silver plate from the 19th century might retail in the $100.00 range. Silver wedding cups from this era may be valued between $400.00 and $600.00. Many were made in Germany. A pair of Russian wager cups, very similar to your picture, sold at Russell, Baldwin & Bright in 1997 for $2,295.00.
Reference: Lyle, Official Antiques Review 1998, pg. 564 Reni
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