www.925-1000.com

Hi,

I recently purchased a box of sundries and found this lovely cup amongst it. I can see the diana head, budapest P, 800 fineness and manufacture date circa. 1872-1922. I am a little confused regarding the lombard owl head. I thought they were only added to pieces that didn't have a makers mark? Also the S.S makers mark, assuming it is a makers mark of course. I am finding it difficult to find a resource that will give an indication of who made the cup. which is frustrating because that would enable me to be more accurate when dating the piece.

I have viewed your website on many occasions and would like to congratulate you on the community you have here. You all contribute to a very helpful resource to me any many like minded people. Thank you. Any assistance you could offer me in my quest to identify as many aspects of this particular item would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Yes, it`s a controversy; Poland approval owl mark used 1920 – 1963 ``on used articles that did not have a manufacturer or maker`s marks. ``
Lombard mark was discussed here:
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic ... rd#p109267
Interestingly, the engraved décor looks Russian. Probably traded or brought out of Austria-Hungary.
Unless somebody recognizes the maker in Budapest, i.e. when he worked, more precise dating would be impossible.
Regards

Thanks AG for the Lombard details, interesting read. So if a Polish citizen of the time had a piece of silver they wanted to sell at an auction or privately, they needed it punched by a government body or the auction house before it could be sold legally. A cup manufactured in Budapest for sale either to Russian tourists or for export to the Russian market. Or maybe the silversmith was a Russian living in Austria-Hungary, or perhaps an Austrian-Hungarian influenced by Russian design...the plot thickens. It would be great to find some info on makers in Budapest . Thanks again

This decor, probabely, was born in the Russian Empire as the adoration for the Jewish kiddush cups for Pesach (the town on the cup is simbolical image of Jerusalem). Had been istributed in Central Europe via cups from the Israel Zachoder's factory, finally, it was gain a big popularity and copyed by many jewellers.