Hello,
My mother passed away recently, and I have been settling her affairs. She owned several pieces of silverware and plated silver. I have done some research on the Internet on how to identify which is which. In most cases, the sterling silver items are stamped "Sterling" so it is straightforward. However, there is one item which is more interesting since it has several marking stamped on the bottom, as well as an inscription. I have uploaded the following pictures:
http://s9.postimg.org/kuq555jdr/Bottom.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/72bq9ism6/Hallmark.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/jr60t6yqn/Inscription.jpg
(admin photo edit - remember to use the preview button)
The first picture is the item itself. It is some kind of vessel for dining, not sure what it is called
The second picture it the bottom of the item
The third picture is a zoom in of the hallmark
The fourth picture is a zoom in of the inscription. I think it says: Y/NR/ and below it the numbers 2270 7.0
My best guess is that the item was made by Thomas Watson of Newcastle, but I am not sure. Could anyone confirm this? Also, could anyone tell me what the rightmost stamp signifies? Is it a duty stamp or a date stamp?
Does the inscription mean anything? Was it put there by the silversmith when he made the item, or was it added later.
Thank you for you assistance. It had been very interesting doing this research. I certainly have learned a lot about silverware.
Request help identifying hallmark, possibly Thomas Watson?
Re: Request help identifying hallmark, possibly Thomas Watso
Addendum:
Sorry, the images are not showing on my posting above, only the links to them. Not sure how to fix this.
Sorry, the images are not showing on my posting above, only the links to them. Not sure how to fix this.
Re: Request help identifying hallmark, possibly Thomas Watso
Welcome to the forum.
You're quite right. The maker's mark is that of Thomas Watson, and this sugar bowl was made c.1800. The inscription was probably made by a shop owner sometime in the 20th century.
Miles
You're quite right. The maker's mark is that of Thomas Watson, and this sugar bowl was made c.1800. The inscription was probably made by a shop owner sometime in the 20th century.
Miles
Re: Request help identifying hallmark, possibly Thomas Watso
Thank you for confirming this Miles. I let my family know this - they were happy to learn that we have a genuine antique in the family.
I studied the rightmost hallmark a bit more and my best guess is that it is the duty stamp for the reign of George III. It appears the image was not fully stamped in or has worn away with time.
I studied the rightmost hallmark a bit more and my best guess is that it is the duty stamp for the reign of George III. It appears the image was not fully stamped in or has worn away with time.