Mystery piece, pipe rack/stand? Unknown marks

[richst]

?????????

What do you think it is?

Same hallmark stamped twice.

Thanks, Rich

[oel]

Hi Rich,

Yes, to me it does look like a pipe rack, with a pipe comfort on top. There was probably a copper insert in it where the glowing charcoals were placed. With two thumb rests to easily pass it between the gentlemen at the table.
The master's mark looks to me like a P or an R in a cartouche, next to it a crowned O.
Have you tested it for solid silver?

Peter.

[amena]

I would think of an item to offer cigars to guests, given the two handles.
I agree with Peter, better to test the metal.
Regards
Amena

[richst]

Have not tested it. Out of acid, can you recommend where to buy acid that is reliable and cheap?

[oel]

Instead of buying acid, I recommend to have it tested by a jewellery or a pawnshop.

Peter.

[admin]

To my eye, the piece appears to be an antique handmade solid silver piece, my gut says Spanish Colonial, South or Central American. That said, keep in mind that my gut is not always reliable and my eye is out of practice.
Regards, Tom

[richst]

closeup of mark

[richst]

I just tested the silver and it came out as roughly coin silver. I would love to find out if someone can ID the mark, Perhaps in a different forum. Any suggestions? Thanks

And thanks to everyone for their input.

Rich

[oel]

Hi Rich, we moved you to other European countries and South America . Let us hope someone will know more.

Peter.

[richst]

Thanks, Peter. Is it possible to remove the SP from the title so people don't ignore it?

[richst]

Thanks, Peter

[Aguest]

::::: I'm guessing Brazil bur all the "R" hallmarks I've seen have a crown over them, but the last Emperor of Brazil Dom Pedro II ruled Brazil until 1889 so technically I believe the crown represented the glory and authority of Emperor Dom Pedro II and in theory it is possible that when Dom Pedro II was exiled by a military coup in 1889 the silversmiths of Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) still wanted to carry on the tradition of the "R" hallmarks because they were still recognizable but they omitted the crown since the Emperor had gone into exile and no longer reigned over Brazil. ::::::::



::::::: If that theory is true, then the piece might be able to be dated 1890-1920 but the end date is just a complete guess. :::::::

[richst]

Thanks, that's interesting. This is obviously a tough one to solve!