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Hello, I am new to this board, and thank you for any information and patience with a new member.

I have an antique sterling serving meat fork with the mark, "O.A.W. Crosby & Son". I could not find it in my 'Old Silver' book, and found on the internet that it is a Jeweler's company from England. Would they be the silversmith? The only other mark is the 'Sterling' and an initial which I believe is a 'G'. Is this a date mark? Any information is very much appreciated...

Someday I will learn to decifer my silver book, but any information on a not so complicated book would be appreciated.

Your fork is American and made by the William B. Durgin Co. The pattern is "New Standish", patented in 1905. O.A.W. Crosby & Son is probably the retailer of the fork.

Silvercrown

Thank you so much for your answer to the mystery of the meat fork. May I ask what gave you the clue? Was it the Letter above the Sterling Mark? I thought it was a G. Was it a D? Your help is immensely appreciated!

The first clue is that English silver is not marked "Sterling". It is marked with a Lion (either passant or rampant) denoting sterling, along with the mark of an assay office and a date letter. Your mark was bit hard to read, but I thought it looked like the Durgin mark. I have owned several pieces of Durgin sterling from time to time. I also have a book of silver patterns and that allowed me to confirm my belief because I was able to identify your pattern. I'm pleased I was able to help.

Silvercrown

Hi Mary Anne,

The Durgin mark is illustrated here at
American Marks 3
and you can familiarize yourself with English hallmarking onsite at
British Hallmarks

Tom

Thank you for all of your help and assistance. I is most appreciated!
Mary Anne