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Need help identifying hallmark...

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 12:33 am
by joyluck
I was told that the marks on this piece identified it as Russian. I have had no luck trying to find info on this site or at the library, etc. Any info would be a plus! Thanks.
Image

Image

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:00 am
by Neruda
As no one else seems at all certain of these marks, might I suggest two possibilities - Hannau or Holand? Both places used unusual "pseudo-hallmarks" in the 19th century.

The fourth mark appears to be a dolphin - I have heard that Holland once used a dolphin for small objects either imported or exported - I'm afraid I can't confirm this, but it might be one lead to follow?

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 3:39 pm
by admin
Hi,
I agree that it is likely to be a Hanau item. The Netherlands is still a possibility, but although the Dutch also used these antique fantasy pseudomarks, in my experience, they had a tendency to include one or more officially sanctioned marks somewhere on the piece. They did use a dolphin mark similar to this one, but not quite this one.
See -> Netherlands Hallmarks
There is a good, 2 part, article on Hanau silver by Dorothea Burstyn located on the website of ASCAS
Regards, Tom

Help identifying hallmarks

Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 11:24 pm
by joyluck
Thanks Neruda, for both leads and identifying the dolphin! I will follow up on your suggestions!
Joyluck

Need help indentifying hallmarks

Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 11:29 pm
by joyluck
Hello, Tom,
I did read (most of) the artivle that you cited, and I agree that the Dolphin doesn't appear to be an exact match. I am so new to this that almost any info is new for me. Thanks!
Joy;uck