Antique Sterling Silver Basket... Hallmark Help!

[TinyLee1]

Good Afternoon,

I discovered this nice sterling basket at a local auction. I was hoping to get some help with this hallmark. I have searched and have not found anything. Thanks in advance!

Tina

[dragonflywink]

Doesn't look like an American mark or piece, perhaps South American...

~Cheryl

[TinyLee1]

Doesn't look like an American mark or piece, perhaps South American...

~Cheryl

Thank you for your respone Sheryl!

[AG2012]

Almost certainly of Greek origin (letters ПЛ are PL).Countries using Cyrillic alphabet are not capable of making this item today, except for Russia but it`s not Russian for sure.

[dragonflywink]

Sorry, was viewing on a cell phone, with my failing eyesight, couldn't make out the letters clearly. Greek marks are certainly varied and often eccentric, could be Pi Lambda (ΠΛ) or even Pi Alpha (ΠΑ), but the 'Pi' (Π) doesn't look quite right to me, perhaps just my eyes or a worn stamp - regardless, will move to the other countries forum...

~Cheryl

[AG2012]

Right, the second letter could be Alpha ``A``.The first letter is Pi.
The basket is very strange, as if assembled from different pieces,die stamped acanthus borders and very rude beading of the handle.The pheasant at the top certainly looks like one of those Austrian candle extinguishers.And the purpose of the object is a mystery to me; an urn or vase would make sense, but with handle and pheasant ...
Just my observation.

[dragonflywink]

Agreed - it's an odd piece...

~Cheryl

[TinyLee1]

I would like to thank you all for you help regarding this crazy basket. I agree, the handle is throwing me also. It does look like a vase to me. It's a nice substantial piece weighing in an 14 ounces ( not weighted). Thanks again, :)


Tina

[JayT]

A little late to the party here. To me this looks like a sugar urn with slots to hold spoons around the circumference of the vase. I have no idea about the mark.

[AG2012]

JayT Excellent observation.Sugar urn with 12 slots (as far as I could count) makes sense.Narrow and deep,though (no dimensions given).I am still ambiguous about the construction of the piece.Whatever,TinyLee1 mash some tea or coffee and enjoy it sweet.
Regards