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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Confirmation of Old Sheffield Plate
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Question
I read your instructions and will forward additional images. I have already taken these two items to a silver dealer who told me what I already knew. They are silverplate, there is an open hand mark with the numbers 435, and he did not know what these items were, but they were made to hold "glass". I was able to find a website that had an "open hand" makers mark just like mine for Old Sheffield Plate. Nathaniel Smith & Co. was listed as the maker, can you tell me if I am wrong or right. Also can you tell me what the 435 stands for? Kind Regards, Sharon
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Hello Sharon,
Thank you for your query and for including photographs.
I have taken your photos into Photoshop and made them larger. I cannot get a 'open hand' out of the mark. Are you able to take a more detailed photo of this mark?
Sheffield Plate is a term used to denote articles made of copper coated with silver by fusion, invented in 1742 by Thomas Boulsover.
In the year 1784, the Sheffield Plate manufacturers were successful in obtaining an Act which authorized their marking of goods with a device associated with the maker's name. These regulations however, were not strictly adhered to and there are many examples where the registered mark appears unassociated with the name of the maker. This is quite frequently found on markings earlier than the 19th century.
The 435 is most likely a stock number.
Nathaniel Smith & Co. marked their items with: N.Smith & Co., an open had (thumb to the right) inside of a rectangle. This mark was registered in 1784. Note: not just the hand hallmark but he also marked with the name.
Are there any other markings on these two pieces?
Regards,
Irene
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for the additional and clear photos. I've looked through all of my reference books and I think that Nathaniel Smith and Co. made your item. I could find no other maker with this exact same hallmark.
Regards,
Irene
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Irene is a true professional and went the extra mile to request additional photos to research my Old Sheffield Silverplate. Thanks so much for your expertise. | ||
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Irene Schwall
Expertise
I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2. I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing. I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience
See information provided above.
Organizations
Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications
I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Education/Credentials
See information provided above.
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