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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Unmarked - Old Sheffield Plate Candlesticks?

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Expert: - 3/12/2009


Question

11" pair of silver on
Hi Irene -

Hope you can help me. I have been given conflicting information about my candlesticks. I've been told Old Sheffield Plate should be marked, then told it's often unmarked. Today's research tells me that it was NOT marked from the early 1770's until after 1784.

I have a matching pair of ornate silver (on copper) candlesticks - 11" tall / 5 1/4" base. The only marks on the candlesticks are the number 937 with a letter V beneath it and these are found down in where the bottom of the candle would sit. I do see copper showing through in areas that are high and susceptible to wear from handling and polishing; the candlesticks are, however, in overall very good condition.

Do you think they're Old Sheffield Plate? Any idea of age? Can you tell me anything about them?

Thanks!
Marcy

Answer
Hello Marcy,
Thanks for your query.
In 1773 Sheffield was granted its own assay office and in 1784 silversmiths were allowed the privilege of using a maker's mark on their wares provided that it had been approved by the Guild.

Prior to this, workshops sensed the opportunity of deception and impressed hallmarks similar to those found on silver articles - these articles were not approved by the Guild and thankfully are extremely rare because there is no way to tell the silver content as it was not tested.

The letter 'V' and 937 do not help with the identification, I'm sorry.
Without being able to personally hold and examine these candlesticks (because there is no maker's mark or Sheffield stamping) it is impossible for me to say these are Old Sheffield Plate.

I am not sure where you live but might I suggest that you take them to an auction house or reputable dealer in silver.  They will be able to look at your candlesticks and most likely determine with accuracy the provenance and age.
I'm sorry that I could not be of more help to you.
Regards.
Irene
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you, Irene, for taking the time to help. Marcy


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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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