Unknown hallmark on silver s

[DrNobu]

Hello,

I have a set of 15 identical spoons, each bearing just this one hallmark. The spoons test as silver after touchstone test. Does anyone know what this hallmark is?

Thank you,
Wouter

[oel]

Hi Wouter, welcome to the forum. The mark is a Belgian import & duty mark, for large silver items Gothic letter E for Étranger=foreign, in circular frame shape, used 1832 - 1869.

Peter.

[DrNobu]

Thank you! And is there any way to tell the silver fineness from this mark?

[oel]

This mark does not give any guarantee of a precious metal standard of fineness. This mark was used on metal with a minimum 250/000 gold or silver content as a duty mark. This mark destined for all imported, unmarked and invalid marked objects of foreign, national and unknown origin.

Source; Netherlands responsibility marks from 1797 WaarborgHolland, Gouda, Kingdom of Belgium page 87.

Peter.