www.925-1000.com

Hi,
If possible, I'd like some help identifying this tray. I have searched the web and have found part of this hallmark, but I am unsure of a couple things. I am no expert in this field, so maybe I am just overlooking something that is probably very obvious to experts like yourselves.

The examples I've seen either have a "925" or a "plateado" stamp mark. This one has neither, so i am confused as to what it could be. I started to clean the platter as i would like to display it, but I need to purchase the proper materials before I proceed. (or before I possibly ruin it)

Is there any way to test this without ruining it to see if its solid, or plated? Or what the 129 means? I've attached some pictures. It is on the large side, and rather heavy, but I am guessing that is from the lapis (turquoise, malachite?) inlay around the outside. It measures 12-3/4" x 9" x 1-1/4" deep. There are some use scratches, some deeper than others, and it appears silver throughout the scratch. the platter is very tarnished and dirty, and the dark marks you see are my half attempt at starting to clean it. There is no pitting or corrosion marks, etc. Also noticed what I believe may be verdigris that has collected inside the hallmark, making me think it may be plated over brass. It does not appear anywhere else on the platter.

Again, I am not claiming to be any sort of expert, so if any of this sound ridiculous, please be gentle. lol

thanks so much, anna

I would like to add, that the very last picture is showing a yellow reflection of the oak paneling on the walls in this room, and is not on teh tray's edge like it shows. Thanks again, anna :)

Hi Anna. Welcome to the forum.

If it were solid silver it would be marked with .980, .925, sterling or have an eagle mark.
Los Castillo worked with metals other than silver: mixed metals, copper, brass, silverplate, etc.
Here's a scan from Billy Hougart's book.



Personally, I would use Wright's silver cream on silverplate.
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... 34&t=18129" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pat.

thanks for the info patrick

hopefully the silver cream uses less elbow grease than the soft cloth i was using (so, not easy) :)