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Sorry, I'm new here and haven't worked out how to download images.

I just bought a pair of Dutch silver spoons.
They are hallmarked left to right:

RH under a bar (fish or spoon?) in a rectangle
Lion rampant with the number 1
Minerva's head, with letter A.
And finally the letter I followed by a dot, looking like J.

RH was Roelof Helweg
The Lion Rampant with 1 indicates silver of .925 quality.
The Minerva's head with A = Amsterdam.
I understand that the I. indicates low grade silver from 1906 to 1953.

Why do the spoons have three hallmarks consistent with high grade silver by early 19th century maker and then a mark indicating that it is of low grade 20th century origin? The spoons do not "feel" as if they are two hundred years old. They are in very good condition and the hallmarks are clear and unrubbed. They look modern.

Can anyone explain, please.

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Your question cannot be answered without the required images. The below should help you:

How to Add Images

Posting Requirements

and: http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=42199

http://www.postimg.com is recommended. Embedded images get a far greater response than just posting links or thumbnails.

Remember to use the 'Preview' button before submitting your post.

Trev.

Hi welcome to the Dutch forum. Indeed images are required.

For openers you could check Dutch hallmarks including standard marks; lion rampant 1st standard (934 fineness), lion passant 2nd standard & year letters;
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32028
The script J. is a year letter, most likely for 1818, and not script I. for unguaranteed standard of fineness.
The date or year letter; to identify the assayer on duty under whose responsibility the assay test took place to determine the legal silver standard.
Rule of thumb; date letter always in combination with maker's mark and standard or fineness mark and assay office mark or Minerva head with a regional assay office identification letter in its helmet.


For firm of Helweg see:
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=28590
We do look forward seeing the required images.

Best,

Oel.