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Hi there. I have a small wire work silver basket with swing handle. Style is circa 1800. The hallmarks to the base appear to be for Utrecht. Makers mark IVN and another mark (possible date letter) E in a shield. There is another small mark to the base ZI and another mark stamped into the top of the Utrecht mark, possibly an O. There is another tiny mark on the rim, a 'flowery' V. The basket is 145 mm at its longest and is 46 mm high. I guess first question is whether the marks are genuine or could they be fake - always a little suspicious of Dutch marks! If genuine, would be grateful for any information on date and maker. Many thanks John

Hi John,

Great basket and good hallmarks for Utrecht, get back to you later.

Best,

Oel.

Hi John,

It is my pleasure to answer your questions. City guild mark for Utrecht, since 1712 silver first standard marked twice with city mark of Utrecht Crowned and province mark of Utrecht Crowned to denote 1st silver standard, being minimum 934/1000 fineness. Utrecht date letter H for 1791. Maker’s mark IVN for; Jacob van Nieuwcasteel, registered 1790-1811.
http://collectie2008.boijmans.nl/nl/wor ... %28KN&V%29
http://centraalmuseum.nl/ontdekken/obje ... =1#o:12541

For all other marks ZI (The 1953 marks renewal and abolition and invalidation of all duty marks, including those for unguaranteed objects of national origin and introduction of the Z marks for objects which are submitted in finished condition, which consequently could then not be assayed as thoroughly) and small flowery V (duty mark) see: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32028

Could you be so kind to show us a close- up image of the possible O mark, which could be a little (.t), the Utrecht redeem and tax mark of 1795? Thanks.


Best,

Oel.

Hi Oel. Thanks as always for your time, effort and knowledge. I have taken another image of the O mark, but I cannot see a .t in it. I have found another couple of small marks on the rim. They are partially struck. One has a dot, but difficult to see the rest of the mark. It appears to be in a circular or oval punch. The other mark has just the shape of the punch, which is similar to some of the early 19th century French punch shapes. I will look for more marks. Amazing how well hidden they are even on a fairly plain item!! John

Hi John,

Yes, you are right small crowned O; tax free duty mark(1st image). I believe the other marks to be deformed /partially struck hallmarks of the French Empire 1809-1819; office mark with dot department Utrecht(2nd image) and standard mark departments (800), a rooster double framed for medium sized work, last image.
Congratulation with a very fine basket!

For details see:
http://www.925-1000.com/Ffrench_marks.html


Oel.

Thanks again Oel - much appreciated. John