No idea at all on silver service hallmark

gammagurl · Post by **gammagurl** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:32 pm

Would appreciate any ideas on identifying information on this silver service. I think it's silver plate, but might be sterling.

Thanks.
Gammagurl

Post by **2209patrick** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:38 pm

That mark was used by the Forbes Silver Company, Meriden, Connecticut. Founded in 1894 as a department of the Meriden Britannia Company for holloware silverplating. Became part of the International Silver Company in 1898. International continued to use the mark, probably into the 1920's.

Regards,
Pat

mmrader · Post by **mmrader** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:41 am

Hello Pat,

I also have a piece with this mark, and I just so happened to be researching it these past couple of days...perfect timing for this thread! I am wondering what resource you used to ID the mark? I haven't seen it anywhere under either Forbes or Meriden...all I have seen are the marks with the circles around them (Forbes with the name and an eagle, Meriden with their name and a scale)! Any specific documentation, books or links, would be hugely appreciated!!!

With many thanks in advance!

Michelle

Post by **dragonflywink** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:34 am

Rainwater's Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacurers shows this as Forbes mark. Would recommend it as a basic reference on American silver and silverplate makers. I prefer the Fourth Edition, but understand that the Fifth, which deleted some information (why?), added some information on more recent makers.<p>Cheryl ;o)

Post by **2209patrick** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 2:25 pm

I agree with Cheryl that Dorothy Rainwater's 4th edition is a good book to start out with. Found the mark there.

Best wishes,
Pat.

mmrader · Post by **mmrader** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:02 pm

Thank you Cheryl and Pat, I definitely need to invest in that book! Your help is greatly appreciated:)

Michelle