Moroccan Tea Set

[VW_TDI_02]

This set was bought in the early 80s in Morocco by my parents and I've been tasked with getting some information on it. It was sold as solid silver but I have nothing to confirm that so I'm not really sure. A magnet will not stick to it which makes me lean towards it being solid silver as it was sold but I am interested in learning more about the maker as well. The set consists of two larger tea pots with hinged lids. The two tea pots are exactly the same and stand between 6" and 8" tall. Two smaller pots are part of the set as well. The first is a two handled pot with a lid. This one does not have a spout. The other smaller pot does not have a lid but does have a place to pour. Each of the pots has a similar pattern and the same lid handle. Each of the pots has the same markings underneath. The pots say "Marque Deposee" which I believe means "Registered Trademark" in French. Underneath that it says "Vrai Metal Argente Fes" which roughly translates to "Real Metal Silver" and then "Fes" is the location it was made (Fes, Morocco). There is a bit of Arabic above the mark but I have no idea what it says. I tried for a few hours to find any more information on this mark and was unsuccessful.

The tray is a bit different when it comes to the mark. The mark appears to have Arabic written in a circle around a center shield. Within the shield there appears to be a chicken/rooster. Again, I was completely unable to find this mark on the web. Below are some pictures and I hope that I can get some information.

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310 ... dr/02.jpeg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310 ... 4a0581.jpg



http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w310 ... 38372e.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[lorimak]

I have acquired a tea kettle with same markings as yours, so your post help me identify where this came from. But I'm not certain its 100% silver. Maybe just silver plate. I'm going to have an expert text the metal for me.

Also, the two smaller pieces in your set are a sugar and a creamer. the one with the lid is for the sugar and the spouted on is for cream.

Have you found any other information on you tea set?

Regards, Lori

[MG]

Hello
It's typical Moroccan silver plate made in Fes
Tea drinking etiquette in Morocco is sophisticated and many families even of modest means will have fairly ostentatious silver plated tea wares like this. Not to show off but to show kind respect to guests. That's why even today they are being made, sold and used.
Thank you
MG