www.925-1000.com

Hi: I'm new to the forum and hope you can answer a question. I have a 5 1/4" ladle shaped spoon which I believe to be a sifter. The dealer called it a drain spoon. It has a shell shaped bowl with 37 holes.
The marks are Crown/Lion/a followed by JR which is identical to the
Joseph Rodgers mark. There is a mark following that which is
enclosed in a rectangular cartouche: a 6 pointed star (or snowflake) and
a Maltese Cross. I'm wondering what this last mark means. I hope
this is the proper method to post, since I don't have and photo to send.
Thanks, Ann

Hi Ann,
The star and cross is the trade mark of Joseph Rodgers, it is one of the oldest trade marks registered in the UK,
Regards Trev.

Thanks for your reply. Am I correct in thinking this is sterling, or is it plate? Ann

I have seen the star and cross as additional marks on sterling pieces, but more often on plated ware. A photo would tell us right off, lacking that, is there a date letter amongst the marks?

Regards, Tom

Hi Ann and Tom,
The star and cross trade mark was granted to Joseph Rodgers of Sheffield by the Cutlers Company of Hallomshire in 1682, I only know of one trade mark still in use that is earlier and that is the red triangle of Bass beer but I stand to be corrected.
My aunt spent most of her working life at Joseph Rodgers London showrooms I think they were in Regent Street, I always remember when dining at her home all the cutlery was of different patterns with no two pieces matching, she always brought home the trade samples when they were discontinued.
Regards Trev.

Hello & thanks to all who responded. The marks are:
CROWN inside square shaped 7 sided cartouche with point at the bottom (similar to the encyclopedia's Seffield mark and identical to "Jackson's Hallmarks", Cycle VII)

LION PASSANT

a (lower case a which corresponds to the date letter for 1824) although I find it hard to believe the piece is that old.

The remaining marks are the letters JR and the star/cross.

I wish I had pictures; am trying to upgrade my stuff for that possibility.
Once again, any response would be most appreciated.
Thanks, Ann

Hi Ann,
It its likely to be 1918,
Regards Trev.

Hi Ann,
As Trev points out it is much more likely to be a later date. Were it before 1890, it should also have a sovereign's head duty mark - like those seen here -> British Hallmarks

Regards, Tom

Hello All:
Thanks for all the response, I've been on vacation for a few weeks and
am now back to my silver!
I agree with the 1918 date, that was my original thought.
Since this is my first venture into the forum, I am wondering why you moved my post to the silverplate area. I thought the Lion mark indicated that it was sterling. I hate to ask stupid questions, but I'm not well informed about British silver, and would like to learn more. The reason I called it Sheffield was the Crown mark which I took to be the city mark.
Please don't think I am disagreeing, I'm just trying to understand. I've
enjoyed reading the forum for quite a while, and am pleased to now participate.
Thanks, Ann

Hi Ann,
Easy one to answer - I made a mistake, moved it right back out of there when I realized it. One of the beauties of this medium is the ease of redressment.
Regards, TOm