tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52080892097528094662024-03-13T12:41:02.906-05:00silver and silver plateThis blog is an exploration of silver and silver plate. It is just a small record of my experiences, hunting, researching and playing with silver and silver plate. One of the most frustrating parts of silver collecting it the lack of research data compiled in one place. I hope to correct this. I hope that parts of it can be useful to you. If you do find it useful please feel free to leave a comment. If you use any information here please leave a link to the post for others.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-87932284052523357772013-11-12T13:13:00.002-06:002013-11-12T13:14:23.933-06:00Blogging DemoBlogging is cool and awesome.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-48629279423281707362012-01-04T22:16:00.000-06:002012-01-04T22:16:00.738-06:00Another blogAs many of you know I work with antiques other than just in silver. I created a new blog for that stuff and you can read it here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hustlingantiques.blogspot.com/">http://hustlingantiques.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-36570051684197742512012-01-03T22:19:00.001-06:002012-01-03T22:19:54.847-06:00A nice selection of Victorian silverplate.<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h6XDEd4hl0/TwPTa9WdWwI/AAAAAAAAANM/3TNtMDsRZOY/s1600/photo-794848.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h6XDEd4hl0/TwPTa9WdWwI/AAAAAAAAANM/3TNtMDsRZOY/s320/photo-794848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693626814025259778" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-296750718590075422012-01-03T22:18:00.001-06:002012-01-03T22:18:51.139-06:00Detail of a butter dish<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIxeqXJ7Fqc/TwPTKxEEAdI/AAAAAAAAANA/lZEUhpH26eM/s1600/photo-731140.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIxeqXJ7Fqc/TwPTKxEEAdI/AAAAAAAAANA/lZEUhpH26eM/s320/photo-731140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693626535848968658" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-76137966856705741422011-12-14T12:53:00.001-06:002011-12-16T09:10:54.854-06:00Simpson Hall & Miller water pitcher<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sh59jhf0KE/TujxLUMRwBI/AAAAAAAAAMk/XHvM6an1swA/s1600/photo-740305.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686059706256310290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sh59jhf0KE/TujxLUMRwBI/AAAAAAAAAMk/XHvM6an1swA/s320/photo-740305.JPG" /></a></div>This was at one point a beautiful water pitcher by Simpson Hall & Miller. Marked as patented July 5th 1881, it has had a hard life. It's missing it's inside liner. The finial is broken. The plate is damaged, yet with its fish handle and marvelous spout it still retains some of its former glory.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-14838435787970575202011-07-30T17:13:00.001-05:002011-07-30T17:13:56.416-05:00Homan Silver Co. Sick Call Priest Set<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSPabUnimX0/TjSCJd4oPvI/AAAAAAAAAMA/T-wV8v7fcGw/s1600/photo-736417.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QSPabUnimX0/TjSCJd4oPvI/AAAAAAAAAMA/T-wV8v7fcGw/s320/photo-736417.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635272132899913458" /></a></p>This is a traveling set for a priest to take to a persons house <br>complete with wooden box. Like an altar in a box.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-55877939280488434282011-07-01T09:57:00.002-05:002011-07-16T11:18:38.404-05:00How Much is my Silver Worth?So in all likelihood you got here searching for information on some silver. I do the history of silver and appraise in person. I do not appraise online. Value is hard to determine, but I have a friend who is developing his skills online and developing an online (free) appraisal service. If you want a value check out his site and ask him for advice:<br />
<br />
http://www.thenakedappraiser.com/<br />
<br />
If you live in Oklahoma send me an email<br />
<br />
redavis001 (at) gmail.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-27142409243649653872011-01-06T10:09:00.002-06:002011-01-06T10:40:38.850-06:00Creamer marked E.P.C.<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSXpULBuLrI/AAAAAAAAAKg/WkKZYAeTFHQ/s1600/photo-791876.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559105847825411762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSXpULBuLrI/AAAAAAAAAKg/WkKZYAeTFHQ/s320/photo-791876.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I try to clean out the collection every now and then. This means taking pieces out and selling them or giving them away to other collectors and he like. Every time I go through this process this piece gets pulled out and examined. I never get rid of it. I like it too much. It has no maker, the plate is gone, I have better creamers, but I love the handle that looks like a bent Greek Ionic column. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Its only mark is E.P.C. or Electro-Plate Copper. You can see the green copper tarnish in the picture that has formed on its side. Its heavy for its size and I am guessing that it was part of a low price hotel or restaurant ware set. I like it and will one day find a use for it. so for now it is safe, protected and cherished by a collector. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-71360773168400624362011-01-06T10:08:00.001-06:002011-01-06T10:32:42.865-06:00Homan Manufacturing Company Butter Dish<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSXpM_UcRpI/AAAAAAAAAKY/c_rj7Rc7H3Y/s1600/photo-762542.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559105724423620242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSXpM_UcRpI/AAAAAAAAAKY/c_rj7Rc7H3Y/s320/photo-762542.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">This little fellow is dented, has plate loss and the holder for he butter knife is pinched. I use it to hold pocket change. Old silver always wants to serve, it was born to serve and if you are creative you can find it a job. Plus, I really love the floral motif on this piece. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I am also charmed by the fact that this butter dish was made by a small maker, the Homan Silverplate Co. from Cincinnati Ohio. The mark indicates that it was manufactured after 1896. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Homan Manufacturing Company</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Founded:</div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1847</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Closed: </div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1941</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Founders/Managers:</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Asa F. Flagg -Retired 1854</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Henry Homan - Died 1865</div><div class="mobile-photo"> M.Miller- Joined as partner in 1854</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1865-Firm managed by Margaret Homan (Henry Homan's widow)</div><div class="mobile-photo"> and their sons:</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Frank Homan (Died 1880)</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Louis Homan</div><div class="mobile-photo"> and</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Joseph T. Homan</div><div class="mobile-photo"> </div><div class="mobile-photo"> Margaret Homan retired in 1887</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Notes:</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Originally made britannia ware, german silver and pewter.</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1864 or thereabouts began silver plating operations</div><div class="mobile-photo"> </div><div class="mobile-photo"> Were known for their ecclesiastical wares.</div><div class="mobile-photo"> </div><div class="mobile-photo"> Made wares for river boats on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1896 firm changed names to Homan Silver Plate Co. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> 1904-1915 (somewhere in there) changed name to Homan Manufacturing Co. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Marks:</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Homan and Co.</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Flagg and Homan</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Homan Silver Plate Co. (often with snarled anchor in round cartouche)</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Homan and Company Cincinnati</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Outfit (with cross) on church goods</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Richfield Plate Co. (Low cost goods)</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Sick-Call</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Special Metal (with hammer and crucible with H in crucible)</div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"> Homan Mfg. Co. (with snarled anchor in round cartouche)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-89453661040581344172011-01-04T22:36:00.032-06:002011-01-06T10:00:12.522-06:00Book Review St. Louis Silversmiths<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSP1fC2OhhI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/1o4BawPY2mg/s1600/photo-735986.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558556278794389010" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSP1fC2OhhI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/1o4BawPY2mg/s320/photo-735986.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TSP1fC2OhhI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/1o4BawPY2mg/s1600/photo-735986.jpg"></a><i>St. Louis Silversmiths</i> is a book I had been looking forward to examining for a few weeks now. Ever since I purchased a Mermond-Jaccard silverplate tea service that I gave as a Christmas present, but for some reason failed to get a picture of. At any rate, Mermond-Jaccard was a major maker and jewelry store in St. Louis. In doing research on them I found this book and ordered it through my ILL account. I did this right before the holiday and have been waiting for it to arrive. Over the holiday I also had the chance to view a few books recently purchased by a friend and fellow collector. One I enjoyed was entitled Silversmiths of Kentucky. I looked forward to a complete and well researched book like this on St. Louis silversmiths. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I was disappointed. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">While there is nothing particulary wrong with this volume its content and piece list were not the complete </div><div class="mobile-photo">record of St. Louis Silversmiths I had hoped it would be. While this volume is not as good as other more specialized catalogs I had thought it to be, it is still an interesting if short read.<br />
<br />
Made for an exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum in 1980, the first six pages give a broad overview of silversmithing in St. Louis. The remainder of the books 39 pages is an alphabetical list of silversmiths that worked in the St. Louis area. The listings are simple giving a name approximate dates and a verbal description of their marks if they were available. There are also several pictures of silver made in St. Louis from its founding to the modern period.<br />
<br />
This book does a good job of listing what it lists but I fear I have been spoiled by online databases of silver information. At a going rate of about $20.00 used I fear there are other books that will be in line before it for the library. However, I am grateful that even in its incomplete form that it is available for consultation. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-41522131853081832732010-12-21T09:58:00.001-06:002011-01-06T10:45:18.917-06:00Server Wm. A. Rogers New York<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDO1fJcrXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/lWh-EmrrhqE/s1600/photo-756853.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553165758837337458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDO1fJcrXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/lWh-EmrrhqE/s320/photo-756853.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number: 6Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-78841922099530065192010-12-21T09:54:00.001-06:002010-12-21T10:16:36.738-06:00Little Creamer The Middletown Plate Co.<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDOSDpujiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/9PH1hY18KDY/s1600/photo-716539.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553165150161112610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDOSDpujiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/9PH1hY18KDY/s320/photo-716539.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number 733.<br />
<br />
I like this little fellow. The curvy shape appeals to me. It would have been a part of an individual serving set. It was made by the Middletown Plate Co. and has their earlier mark. I think Middletown is an under collected name in silverplate. Meriden Britannia Co. is supposed to be such fine work, but Middletown is just as old and I think quite nice. Lets look at some fun facts:<br />
<br />
<b>Middletown Plate Co. </b><br />
<b>(Do not confuse with the Middletown Silver Plate Co.)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Place:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Middletown Connecticut </div><br />
Year:<br />
1864-1899-merger with ISC-<br />
<br />
Founders:<br />
Edward Payne<br />
Henry Bullard<br />
<br />
Made:<br />
holloware<br />
flatware<br />
<br />
Mergers:<br />
1866 incorporated<br />
1899 Joined International Silver Co.<br />
<br />
Notes:<br />
Sold Wares to the Wm. Rogers co. that plated and sold the material with their own mark.<br />
This means identical pieces can be found with different stampsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-65135232665593214732010-12-21T09:52:00.001-06:002011-01-06T10:46:27.368-06:00Forbes Silver Co. Spooner and Waste<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDOHFozCDI/AAAAAAAAAJo/7x454XqNAJo/s1600/photo-771994.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553164961715521586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDOHFozCDI/AAAAAAAAAJo/7x454XqNAJo/s320/photo-771994.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number 572Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-49494200628831680802010-12-21T09:51:00.001-06:002011-01-06T10:43:32.759-06:00Rogers and Brothers Cup<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDNOOBffdI/AAAAAAAAAJg/d3fQIrzuDsI/s1600/photo-744496.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553163984714038738" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDNOOBffdI/AAAAAAAAAJg/d3fQIrzuDsI/s320/photo-744496.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number: 132Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-14658108431566810072010-12-21T09:50:00.001-06:002011-01-06T10:42:38.073-06:00Forbes Silver Plate Co. Creamer, Sugar, Spooner<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDM6haXugI/AAAAAAAAAJY/DmElQ0vR1TY/s1600/photo-765494.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553163646321277442" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDM6haXugI/AAAAAAAAAJY/DmElQ0vR1TY/s320/photo-765494.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number: 216Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-43982452732207317622010-12-20T23:23:00.002-06:002010-12-21T00:23:50.550-06:00Cake Basket Columbia Silver Co.<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRA6EeDl6pI/AAAAAAAAAJI/G_I0I_GUgGY/s1600/photo-772828.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553002189009840786" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRA6EeDl6pI/AAAAAAAAAJI/G_I0I_GUgGY/s320/photo-772828.jpg" /></a></div>Catalog number 037.<br />
<br />
I know its beat up and bruised. It has had a hard life and I took it in. Now it sits by the back door and holds banana peels until I go out and put them in the roses. The plate is damaged, the inside is dented that the bail has lost its plate. But I like it. Its from the "Columbia Silver Co." although the mark would appear to read "Oclumbia Silver Co." Colombia who at best was a low grade plater from what I have seen of their work, but as you know I am a big fan of the smaller less celebrated makers. This one is however, a doozy.<br />
<br />
There is really not much to be said about this maker no one seems to know much of anything.<br />
<br />
Rainwater list two "Columbias" First we can eliminate one based on year and manufacturing:<br />
<br />
Columbia Silver Co.<br />
Brooklyn, New York<br />
Active around the middle fifties until the late 1970's<br />
Plus they made sterling<br />
So they are out for now.<br />
<br />
Columbia Manufacturing Co.<br />
Gowanda, New York<br />
Made plated Wares<br />
Around 1892<br />
<br />
A closer time period on the year but not the same name.<br />
No mark listed.<br />
<br />
<br />
A third possibility I have seen is that "Columbia Superior" was used by the Middletown Plate Company as a low grade mark. This mark is not even close to that.<br />
<br />
There is also the problem that <a href="http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate_C.html">one might mistake the words columbia for columbian</a> and attribute the mark to the Queen City Silver Plate Co. However I believe that they are in fact two different marks the giant C not withstanding. Besides Columbian Silver Co. seems to actually have been marked on pieces of higher grades than these. an easy mistake to be sure.<br />
<br />
So where does that leave us? Not very far. I can assure you. There is a small discussion about it on the <a href="http://www.smpub.com/ubb/Forum15/HTML/000314.html">Silver Salon Forums</a>. They did not get very far either. It is likely that unless we get a time machine that we will never know. However, I like a problem and will endeavor to provide you the dear reader with as much information as I can dig up on the issue as we progress. Like I mentioned before there were thousands of tiny platers out there that produced small amounts of product and we may never know very much about them. However we can appreciate the craftsmanship and styling of the products they left behind.<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Good News! A little research has turned up some interesting facts. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">First, the Columbia Silver Co. of Brooklyn (the sterling manufacturer) the first reference to them I could find was in 1947. This was in Chilton's jewelers' circular/keystone 1970 jewelers' directory issue: Volume 144, Issues 7-10 pages 442, 443, and 445. Also more exactly they were known as Columbia Silver Co. Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">They are also listed in the 1949 <span style="color: black;">New York state directory of manufacturing and mining firms in New York state, under the same name. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Also they are listed in Mastai's classified directory of American art & antique dealers, Volume 3 as an antiques dealer in 1947. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">This does not get us very far with out problem, however it does shed some light on that particular company. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><h1 style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Second, the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jewelers' Circular</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">, Volume 135 from 1917 list the Columbia Silver Co. (I believe the one we are looking for) as an exhibitor. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-10277040835934617832010-12-20T18:19:00.003-06:002010-12-20T18:37:30.061-06:00Two Dollar Plate, French Sterling<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_yrpoLbYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/z51gKexTTMk/s1600/photo-797697.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552923697293782402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_yrpoLbYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/z51gKexTTMk/s320/photo-797697.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I picked this up for two dollars yesterday at a junk store on a lark. I did not see any of the usual marks, just ones I could not really see clearly. It was heavy, tarnished (it sat in the sink overnight and was much worse) but it did not have any sorts of the usual silver plate marks. I liked the detail of the flowers on it (the picture does not do it justice) but was wary because it is a small piece and seems to be missing something. I don't know what the center is for it is the size of a teacup. I think that is what I may do with it. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">The marks were confusing. I looked in Rainwater's book first this did not help. There are two marks I had a hard time seeing. I knew it had a Minerva head, so I did some internet searching. It also had another head in a square cartouche. At first I thought it might be Dutch. This did not pan out. Then I thought it might be Russian. It was close (the mark was so hard to see) but this did not turn out. Then I figured out that it was French. I still have a lot I am trying to learn about international hallmarks, and I rely heavily on <a href="http://www.925-1000.com/Ffrench_menu.html">this wonderful site</a>. <a href="http://www.925-1000.com/index.html">925-1000</a> is one of my go to places on the internet for information. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">As an online encyclopedia of silver they are second to none. I could not do my work without them. So not only did they help me confirm the assay mark as being french, they had information on the maker. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Turns out it is Emile Delaire who worked from 1882 to 1920. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I could not have asked for a better deal, a better research site, or a better dish. Thats pretty good if I do say so myself. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-77474358396522615812010-12-20T17:17:00.002-06:002010-12-20T17:36:39.870-06:00E. G. Webster & Son Coffee Pot<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_kBaKAvfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/HTXySXa-92s/s1600/photo-744942.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552907578423426546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_kBaKAvfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/HTXySXa-92s/s320/photo-744942.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">This little fellow got purchased a couple of weeks ago. I picked it up from a dealer friend of mine at a low cost who just hours before had picked it up from another dealer friend of mine for about nine dollars less. Had I not been so lazy that morning it could have been mine at a lower price but not to despair, early bird and all that. I really like the wooden handle, and the lid is in good shape, the silver inside is intact, the shape just does not do it for me. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">The weather was unseasonably warm today so you get an outside picture. This pot is part of the famous E.G. Webster reproduction lines and has a very classical english styling about it. I covered a brief history of E.G. Webster & Son in <a href="http://silverandsilverplate.blogspot.com/2010/04/little-bowl.html">this post</a> so there is no need to reproduce it here. I really like this maker and have seen many of their works. It is easy to identify through the use of their trademark spider web with a W. Though this is only one of their many marks, I think it is one of their best and just the detail of it is a joy to behold. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_m9KB5byI/AAAAAAAAAI8/BdsDZ8r25mg/s1600/11EGWEBSTERESON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQ_m9KB5byI/AAAAAAAAAI8/BdsDZ8r25mg/s1600/11EGWEBSTERESON.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">Without reference books at hand to identify this mark I imagine that searching it out is a pain on the internet. I think I would go with the terms W, Star, Web, Silver but that could turn up any amount of things. Pictorial marks are some of the hardest to identify. Though, like with Webster, once you know what it is it becomes immediately recognizable to the collector. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">So what will become of this little fellow? Well I am stocked up on pots like this and it is not in the garish Victorian style I like so much so he is destined to be a Christmas present. The person i have in mind will give him a very good home. There is a little damage to his foot where he was likely set on a ht stove or burner, but i don't think that this will matter too much. Sometimes imperfect silver is some of the most interesting. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-42526382373843424662010-12-18T09:57:00.001-06:002010-12-18T10:15:13.237-06:00Last Water Pitcher. Reed and Barton<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQzaK4j8RUI/AAAAAAAAAIs/gPAbmm01N48/s1600/photo-714595.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552052321157662018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQzaK4j8RUI/AAAAAAAAAIs/gPAbmm01N48/s320/photo-714595.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">This is the last of my three water pitchers. Oh I have many many other pitchers but those are not just water pitchers. Strangely it was the first water pitcher I bought. I purchased it at an estate sale about four years ago. The maker is Reed and Barton and it was made in 1943. I know because unlike so many other makers Reed and Barton is kind enough on later works form 1928 on to put a date symbol (much like British sterling has). This piece has a fasces and thus was easy to look up. Another unique thin about his pitcher is its weight. Even though it has a ceramic insert the bottom is weighted quite heavily. This was to keep it from sliding on a table. Why? you inquire. Because this pitcher was made for the U.S. Navy. It is marked USN on the bottom. This means it was made during Word War II. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I could go into a long discussion here about the history of Reed and Barton, their date marks and other marks but this information has been covered by so many people. Probably because they are still producing silver and silverplate. However if you are interested you should <a href="http://www.silvercollection.it/reedbartondate.html">check out this site</a>. Giorgio B. has done a wonderful job of covering Reed and Barton as well as many many other makers and topics. I rely on it constantly. I can't imagine what his collection is like but this database of information is second to none. I truly admire his work. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-46815961014982938162010-12-18T09:10:00.001-06:002010-12-18T09:25:50.328-06:00Another Cup<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQzPEQFzrOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/yoHgTHAke9E/s1600/photo-773391.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552040112586730722" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQzPEQFzrOI/AAAAAAAAAIk/yoHgTHAke9E/s320/photo-773391.jpg" /></a></div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I picked up this little gem because I liked the handle and it was very inexpensive. It could do with a polish but I am afraid hat doing so will reveal that most of the plate is gone. I put it next to the old Frankoma coffee mug to give it some colour and scale. Plus its morning here and therefore is coffee time. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">The marks on the cup were hard to read, but it is from the Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. from Wallingford Connecticut. Its catalog number is 404. Across the front it has so large elephant ear type plant. My mother could identify the plant right off but not knowing too much about tropical plants thats the description I will stick with. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">I am posting a lot right now both because I have a little time and I have a backlog in the collection to catch up with. </div><div class="mobile-photo"><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo">To learn more about S.H. & Miller you should read <a href="http://silverandsilverplate.blogspot.com/2010/05/pitcher.html">this post</a>. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-24635480713525828942010-12-18T00:51:00.059-06:002010-12-18T08:51:22.840-06:00St. Louis Silver Syrup Pitcher<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxaAf5dI-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/pA3ofQNQDVc/s1600/photo-705195.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551911405249962978" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxaAf5dI-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/pA3ofQNQDVc/s320/photo-705195.jpg" /></a></div>I finally purchased a syrup pitcher. This little beauty, I thought, was from the St. Louis Silver Co. in St. Louis Missouri. It has a nice floral design and an accompanying plate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This piece is marked</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">ST. L. C.& S.W. Co. in a circle with St. Louis in the middle. At first I thought it was the St. Louis Silver Company. Turns out it was not. </div><br />
<br />
<b>St. Louis Silver Co. </b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>St. Louis Silver Plate Company</b></span></b><br />
<b>St. Louis Missouri</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Founder: </b><br />
<b>Unknown</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Founded:<br />
First appeared in 1893<br />
<br />
<br />
Was listed as the<b> St. Louis Silver Plate Company</b> in 1905<br />
So they changed names somewhere in there.<br />
<br />
Seems to have closed sometime around 1912-1913<br />
<br />
Produced:<br />
Silverware<br />
Holloware<br />
Steins<br />
<br />
They are famous for their wood and silver steins.<br />
The patent for the steins is from 1904 by Clarence M. Perkins<br />
<br />
Marks:<br />
<br />
Seen as L.B. Silverware Co. in a circle.<br />
<br />
Also made a line called SALOSICO WARE<br />
<br />
Also used a clover leaf.<br />
<br />
<br />
The marks did not "add up" in my mind.<br />
The Initials of the mark even the known mark did not make any sense. "L.B." , "St. L. C."<br />
What does that C stand for? What does the B stand for?<br />
<br />
S.W. could be silverware<br />
<br />
There was a company I have very little information on it, called the <b>St. Louis Clock and Silverware Company</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
There is even less information about this company.<br />
<br />
This is what I have dug up:<br />
<br />
<b>St. Louis Clock and Silverware Company</b><br />
<b>St. Louis Missouri</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Founder:<br />
Otto Pfeffer<br />
<br />
Founded:<br />
1890<br />
<br />
Ended:<br />
To at least 1904<br />
<br />
Products:<br />
Wholesale dealer in clocks<br />
cut glass<br />
silverware<br />
novelties<br />
<br />
Mark:<br />
ST. L. C.& S.W. Co.<br />
<br />
Other Notes:<br />
Participated in the St. Louis "Louisiana Purchase Exhibition" also known as the "St. Louis Worlds Fair" in 1904- They are listed in the catalog.<br />
<br />
<br />
More Research dug up an old catalog from the St. Louis Clock and Silverware Company. This absolutely confirms that the pitcher is theirs. Right on the cover of their 1904 "Twelfth Annual Catalog" across the front is "ST. L. C.& S.W. Co." "Wholesale Only" So now I can confirm that they produced this piece or at least sold it. So far as I know no other record of their silver production exist online so this is the first. That makes me excited. And if its not? Hell, I am still excited.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-24028655460531844742010-12-18T00:28:00.002-06:002010-12-18T08:59:36.609-06:00Did I mention I love toast racks?<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxUmMFf9EI/AAAAAAAAAIU/25S4_LCMAug/s1600/photo-720158.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551905455697032258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxUmMFf9EI/AAAAAAAAAIU/25S4_LCMAug/s320/photo-720158.jpg" /></a></div>I don't like toast. Not in the least. But I do love toast racks. I <br />
finally found one. I am pretty sure it is British but have not <br />
confirmed the situation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-63329018121816180862010-12-18T00:25:00.002-06:002010-12-18T09:02:49.454-06:00Wilcox Silver Plate Co. Water Pitcher<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxUIKswSXI/AAAAAAAAAIM/gybOEudSVe0/s1600/photo-700651.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551904939928734066" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQxUIKswSXI/AAAAAAAAAIM/gybOEudSVe0/s320/photo-700651.jpg" /></a></div>This is my other water pitcher. It is from the Wilcox Silver Plate Co. <br />
This design was patented October 29, 1878. It has an ice shield and a <br />
ceramic insert to help keep the water cold. It's catalog number is <br />
5174. The banding is a repousse floral affair.<br />
<br />
That its the cat Paycheck helping in the background.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-49170806015692815822010-12-17T21:45:00.004-06:002010-12-21T10:21:07.118-06:00Cake Basket Rogers Smith & Co.<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwujHMMskI/AAAAAAAAAIE/LAncG-6iCOs/s1600/photo-779914.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551863621401489986" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwujHMMskI/AAAAAAAAAIE/LAncG-6iCOs/s320/photo-779914.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This Cake basket is a lovely piece from the Rogers, Smith and Company of Meriden Connecticut.It also has the piece number of 1803. I got it at auction for a song. I love the butterflies that are inside the bowl and the tall pedestal. Around the bowl it has a floral relief except for one really strange bird head. <br />
<br />
<b>The Rogers,Smith & Co. <br />
Meriden Connecticut</b><br />
<br />
Founded: <br />
January 1, 1857<br />
<br />
Manufactured: <br />
Holloware<br />
Flatware<br />
<br />
Founders<br />
William Rogers Sr.<br />
George W. Smith<br />
<br />
Mergers: <br />
August 12 1862 with Rogers Bros. Mfg. Co.<br />
<br />
August 12, 1862 their flatware division was sold to the Meriden Britannia Co.<br />
The Rogers left to work with them. <br />
<br />
Edward Mitchell of the Rogers, Smith and Co. bought the hollowware division.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Rogers, Smith & Co.</b> <br />
<b>New Haven Connecticut</b><br />
<br />
Founded:<br />
November 6, 1862<br />
<br />
Manufactured:<br />
Holloware<br />
<br />
Founder:<br />
Edward Mitchell<br />
<br />
Mergers:<br />
January 13, 1863 bought by Meriden Britannia Co. <br />
Continued in New haven using Rogers, Smith & Co. marks<br />
June 1865 plating shop moved to Meriden Connecticut - Marks will read Meriden<br />
Move completed by January 1, 1866<br />
All facilities incorporated into Meriden Britannia Company by 1877<br />
<br />
By 1898 when the International Silver Company was formed it was a trademark owned by the Meriden Britannia Company but had ceases to produce as a division.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDT5BmYOJI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ps0_sZ7Cc6Q/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TRDT5BmYOJI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Ps0_sZ7Cc6Q/s320/IMG_2328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208089209752809466.post-34027308768669470752010-12-17T21:13:00.002-06:002010-12-17T21:40:49.859-06:00Water Pitcher- Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co.I picked up this water pitcher last weekend. An older gentleman I know that sells at the local flea market had pulled it out for me from a box of junk. He even had had his grandson polish it with a cloth to take off most of the tarnish. It was exquisite. At first I thought it was missing its ceramic insert, however, it has an ice shield that swings inward and this tells me that it never had one. The finial on top is easy enough to see in the picture, but around the edge are shields and papyrus with little birds inside the shields. The same design is repeated around the top. The spout has flowers on it and the motif is repeated in the handle. <br />
<br />
The mark is terribly hard to read. However after enough staring I figured out it was "made" by the Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co.<br />
<br />
Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co. was located in St. Louis Missouri and seems to have existed from 1872 to 1900. It was managed for a time by Philip S.Pelton. <br />
<br />
Their flatware was marked: <br />
Triple Plate 12<br />
Sectional Plate XII<br />
Standard Plate 4<br />
<br />
Their hollowware was marked as a PB in a shield and as a circular cartouche. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwrvIvCRxI/AAAAAAAAAH8/EXx9uQ1yyW4/s1600/pelton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="126" width="294" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwrvIvCRxI/AAAAAAAAAH8/EXx9uQ1yyW4/s320/pelton.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I question that this being made by them. There is another set of marks on the bottom of the pitcher that has been over-struck and then plated. A barely visible CT can be seen and I am assuming that the underlying britannia metal was bought from one of the Connecticut manufacturers and then plated by the Pelton Bros. This was a pretty common practice in the Victorian era. In fact this practice was one of the contributing reasons that the International Silver Company formed because some firms found that by uniting they could save money on this trend in the industry. It also explains identical pieces having different manufacturing marks. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwm4qItPeI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ECxHE9MCRPQ/s1600/photo-718206.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sjJTa58u45I/TQwm4qItPeI/AAAAAAAAAH0/ECxHE9MCRPQ/s320/photo-718206.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551855195466317282" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2