CHINESE EXPORT SILVER WITH LONDON PSEUDO MARKS

[excalibur1661]

Hi,

I would be grateful if anyone could apprise me of the maker of this tankard with what appears to be pseudo marks for London, 1875, maker DS over BS. My own research on the family motto 'sans crainte' has so far led me to the conclusion that it was possibly acquired by Constance Gordon-Cumming on her visit to Canton in early 1879.

Regards,

Fred

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[AG2012]

You are right about London pseudo marks. Inconsistent: Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith worked BEFORE 1806. The date letter is for 1875, and there is no Queen Victoria duty mark.
The Chinese makers did punch silver with British pseudo marks and some are identified:
http://www.925-1000.com/chinex_marks.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;"
Silver was often influenced by British style at the time, or had typical Chinese motifs. And British family crests were often engraved.
They used either British pseudo marks only, or added Chinese characters.
This is unknown maker ``P`` in Canton who supposedly worked at the same time as Cutshing (see the link). But some silver was made under the influence of very early 19th century taste; even marks attached here corresponded to the period. Could they work until the second half of the 19th century?
But why DSBS; well known London makers? Most probably we will never know.
The provenance (visit to Canton) and everything else places this tankard in Canton second half 19th century.
The tankard is beautiful. Drink out of it!
Btw. Canton was not a friendly place for us after the Second Opium War.

[excalibur1661]

Thank your for kind reply and expert opinion on this tankard.

Regards,

Fred