Biennais mark on a candlestick

[silverfan]

Unusual marking for a French piece. Only the Biennais mark and another mark which I cannot identify. Can anybody explain the marking?
Regards silverfan

[oel]

Hi Silverfan, my guess.
Made by Biennais for export hence the lack of French (hall)marks. The monogram FZ could be(importer) retailer's mark perhaps German.

Best,

Peter

[AG2012]

Hi,
Lacking full set of French marks and the overall appearance, the chamber-stick was made (most probably) by a German maker ‚‚FZ‚‚ (?) with the copy of Biennais mark.
There is one set of marks with ‚‚Z‚‚ and Biennais mark here:
http://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_hanau_marks_01.html
Regards

[AG2012]

And let`s not forget ‚‚how it`s made`` issue. Overall appearance, casting of figures, wax-drip-tray etc. is too far from the quality that could have emerged from any of Biennais workshops.

[oel]

Yes, I was not aware Biennais to be a famous and important French silversmith. My first opinion was based upon my Odiot tea caddy lacking French (hall)marks see;
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... iot#p40298
I agree with AG2012 fake Biennais mark for the real Biennais maker's mark see:
https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/coll ... 392/beaker


Best,

Peter

[silverfan]

......, but the item was bought in Paris!?
Regards silverfan

[oel]

It is a fake French maker's mark. It does makes sense to try to sell it in Paris. You bought it at a Paris auction or antique shop, flea market?

Peter

[silverfan]

it was bought in an "antique shop" whose owner did not know much about the things he was selling. The price was near to scrap value.
Regards silverfan

[AG2012]

Hi,
Never underestimate antique dealers who make a living out of small shops, being ignorant what they sell. Biennais workshops made silver of outstanding quality and marks are only one piece in the puzzle when determining authenticity.
Compare with this Biennais detail, please.