www.925-1000.com

I bought this small teapot at a yard sale. It was sold to me as Sterling Silver. I went to this website, but could not find these hallmarks anywhere nor associated with any country. Any help you can provide would be appreciated. (admin edit)

Hi

I'm fairly sure that the mark of an American silverplate maker (the name escapes me - try Rainwater). A pretty good rule of thumb is if doesn't have the Lion Passant, or it doesn't say sterling or have a silver purity mark such as 925, 835 or 800, or if it doesn't have appropriate hallmarks then it is not likely going to be silver, especially on a larger item. Manufacturers and individual silversmiths have always gone to great lengths to ensure everything they make of silver is clearly marked as such since they charge large premiums for it. Customers have always been fanatical about it as well since they have always wanted to be very, very sure they are getting what they paid for. There are exceptions to this rule of thumb but they are few and far between.

Waylander

Hi,
The most likely candidate is Keystone Silver Inc. of Philadelphia, founded in 1914. Rainwater shows a mark for them with many similarities. They made (or still make) sterling and silverplate holloware. If your piece does not have a sterling mark, silverplate it is.
Regards, Tom