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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/VR signs
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Question
Dear Martin,
)
I'm located in Mexico City and I acquired two cups and three spoons with signs I would like to know the meaning of. I'll try to describe them the best that I can.
One of the cup has an X, over the X is a little crown and over the crown is a number 5.
Another cup has a VR and the number 116, over the VR there is also a little crown. I also have three spoons with a drawing of what it seems to be an arch with three little plants, unfortunately one of this spoons is broken. Two spoons have the image of what it seems a couple holding hands.
I would like to know if this items I own have any value.
I also own a metal jug with what it seems to be an animal horn by handle. I haven't been able to find any sign or drawing on this one.
Thank you very much in advance,
Regards,
Azarel
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The two mugs are typical late 19th Century English products, probably both made in Birmingham or Manchester. The crowned X inside the base is a hangover from an old practice of quality marking; the number indicates the workbench in the factory where it was made.
VR116 is a Uniform Verification number - you can read about these, and look up 116, on the Verification Marks page on my website.
The two spoons with finials of standing human figures are modern. The other I cannot see any detail to figure out what it is.
The jug with an antler (not horn) handle is a typical late 19th century product of Sheffield, England. It is made of Britannia metal, a pewter alloy used for fabricating from sheet rather than casting.
Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk
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Martin G Roberts
Expertise
Pewter of the 19th Century and earlier from the British Isles and Ireland. I can comment on origin, date, rarity, and value. I cannot give detailed information on 'art' metalware, Art Deco, Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts metalware. See my website for more information: www.antique-metalware.co.uk.
Experience
A collector for twelve years and a dealer for seven.
Publications
Journal of the Pewter Society
Pewter Society Newsletter
Bulletin of the Pewter Collectors' Club of America
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