Please Help Identify - Any Leads?
Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2023 7:25 pm
Hello everyone:
I found this piece at my towns local swap table. Severely tarnished, it didn’t look like much which is why it was probably tossed away (I wish I took a ‘before’ photo but wasn’t thinking this was going to be anything special). I initially didn’t see any markings on it so I thought it couldn’t be anything special. I decided I would try to polish it up the best I could and use it on my desk.
Well it cleaned up beautifully will a little silver polish… And it also revealed several marks that have left me completely puzzled. I’ve spent the last few days scouring the internet to try and find any leads, but I’ve had no luck. That’s what brings me here.
The first part of my problem is that I can’t even begin to identify what one of the markings might be. It’s located on the inside rim of the dish. Originally I thought it might be a bird but I’m not entirely sure? I know eagles are a common marking but I couldn’t find anything similar to this one. ( I know the picture isn’t the best. Because of its location inside the dish, and the dish is shallow, it’s extremely difficult to get a good photo.)
Directly behind the first mark on the outside of the dish is another mark. At first I thought it was denting from the first mark pushing through, but after a closer look it seems it might be a shield inside an octagonal shape? I’d love to get your opinions of if you think this is a separate, individual mark.
After looking over this dish countless times, today I discovered a third mark. I had overlooked this many times because I thought it was just a dent. But as you can see in the photo, it’s a letter(s). All I can make out is “L”, or at least that’s what I think it is? This mark is almost directly on the opposite side of the dish as the other two marks. Does this look like it has other letters? Did part of the mark wear away? Was this an intentional mark or an accident?
Lastly, compared to the many other pieces of silver I’ve held, this one feels thinner than usual, specifically on the bottom. It has a little give to it when I push directly in the center on the bottom (with very little pressure).
I don’t mind doing the research myself. In fact, I love doing it! But I’m stumped with this piece. I’ve scoured this site, as well as other sites, and I've come up with nothing. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance everyone!
I found this piece at my towns local swap table. Severely tarnished, it didn’t look like much which is why it was probably tossed away (I wish I took a ‘before’ photo but wasn’t thinking this was going to be anything special). I initially didn’t see any markings on it so I thought it couldn’t be anything special. I decided I would try to polish it up the best I could and use it on my desk.
Well it cleaned up beautifully will a little silver polish… And it also revealed several marks that have left me completely puzzled. I’ve spent the last few days scouring the internet to try and find any leads, but I’ve had no luck. That’s what brings me here.
The first part of my problem is that I can’t even begin to identify what one of the markings might be. It’s located on the inside rim of the dish. Originally I thought it might be a bird but I’m not entirely sure? I know eagles are a common marking but I couldn’t find anything similar to this one. ( I know the picture isn’t the best. Because of its location inside the dish, and the dish is shallow, it’s extremely difficult to get a good photo.)
Directly behind the first mark on the outside of the dish is another mark. At first I thought it was denting from the first mark pushing through, but after a closer look it seems it might be a shield inside an octagonal shape? I’d love to get your opinions of if you think this is a separate, individual mark.
After looking over this dish countless times, today I discovered a third mark. I had overlooked this many times because I thought it was just a dent. But as you can see in the photo, it’s a letter(s). All I can make out is “L”, or at least that’s what I think it is? This mark is almost directly on the opposite side of the dish as the other two marks. Does this look like it has other letters? Did part of the mark wear away? Was this an intentional mark or an accident?
Lastly, compared to the many other pieces of silver I’ve held, this one feels thinner than usual, specifically on the bottom. It has a little give to it when I push directly in the center on the bottom (with very little pressure).
I don’t mind doing the research myself. In fact, I love doing it! But I’m stumped with this piece. I’ve scoured this site, as well as other sites, and I've come up with nothing. Any leads you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance everyone!
