Expert: Martin G Roberts - 6/26/2006

Question
I have a pewter tankard that I can not identify the touchmarks.  There are five (5) marks.  The center mark is shield (flat top, straight sides which then sharply curve in and then turn pointed downward on the bottom) with vertical lines and a crown in it.  The crown has long spikes (? looks a tad like feathers) coming out of the top of it.  Above this mark, is the letter A with a crown on the top of it.  To the left and right of the center mark (both are the same) is the letter I over the letters LB.  Under the center mark appears to be XXXIV (?).  I have photos of the marks if you would need to see these marks.  Any assistance with this identification would be appreciated.

Answer
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Having seen your photos of the piece, I have some disappointing news for you. In my view, this is a reproduction, made in the last 100 years. It is copying a style common in north central Europe, especially Germany, from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The rather flimsy construction, artificially even surface colour, lack of wear (especially on the hinge), and overall lack of signs of usage all mitigate against it. I have not attempted to check on the marks, as there are thousands to search, but they are almost certainly copies of authentic maker's marks, except for the XXXV mark, which is unusual and not typical of period pieces.

The lower handle attachment has been crudely repaired in very recent times, so detracting further from the piece.