Hello I’ve just bought a bunch of mixed flatware from an auction to give me something to research during the UK winter nights. I didn’t get very far however as straight away I found a complication over some maker marks on a spoon so I’m turning to the “Forum” for help. The photo below is the spoon in question with its associated marks.
The “F.W” in the kind of shield, using the net, brought up a reference for “Frederick Wilson & Co” a Sheffield electroplater dated 1882-1910.
The “Imperial” mark, using the net, brings you to “Frederick Whitehouse” of Birmingham 20th century. “Electro Imperial” also brings you to “Frederick Whitehouse”. There is no reference to a “FW” in a shield for this maker.
My opinion is that “Whitehouse” is the maker but that could in itself mean the date for that Company’s manufacturing starts in the late 19th century. My evidence for that is the number that is also on the spoon finial 216325 (sorry its upside down). The range of pattern numbers this particular one comes from is recorded on this Forum’s web site as from the 1893-94 period. I do not know if the pattern could be bought from another company by “Whitehouse” and thus manufactured in a latter period. I do not have the know how to research the pattern number but I am sure good evidence could be gleaned there.
Anyway the photo is there for debate. I look forward to being correct for a change, but equally happy to know who made my spoon.
Fishless
Ps. There may be others I need help with!!!
