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Help with identifying hallmark

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Author	Topic: Help with identifying hallmark
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-16-2001 10:54 PM I am trying to date and identify the maker of this sterling teapot. And help would be greatly appreciated. IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 10-17-2001 09:27 AM Hi, The mark is badly struck, but I think it is one of the International Silver Company's trademarks. International Silver was formed in 1898 by the banding together of a large number of (mainly) silverplate manufacturers. The resulting company used a lot of the old companies' trademarks for many years, and still does today. This particular one was originally used by the Meriden Britannia Company on their limited line of sterling. It is supposed to be a phoenix-bird in a wreath, believe it or not. Maybe Scott can post a proper picture of the trademark so you can see what it is supposed to look like? This piece, though, definitely dates from the International Silver Co. period, post 1898. The style is Colonial (really, Federal) Revival, which had its peak of popularity in the 1920's and early 1930's. It is likely no earlier than 1920, but could be as recent as the 1950's, another time of interest in "early American". I hope this helps! Brent IP: Logged
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-17-2001 09:32 AM Thanks so much. I would definitely like to see the "clean" version of the mark if that is available. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 10-17-2001 11:51 AM Meriden Brittannia Company: Meriden Silver Plate Company: IP: Logged
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-17-2001 11:57 AM Thanks for the Meriden Brittannia mark - if this is their mark, why would this piece be attributed to International Silver Co. rather than to Meriden as suggested by Brent? IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 10-17-2001 12:06 PM As per Brent: quote: ...one of the International Silver Company's trademarks. International Silver was formed in 1898 by the banding together of a large number of (mainly) silverplate manufacturers. .... Meriden was one of the companies. IP: Logged
Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 Registered: May 99	posted 10-17-2001 02:34 PM My only input here is that the teapot might in fact be as early as the 1900s, although generally this style peaks in the late 1910s. I don't know the exact pattern, but it could easily pre-date the 1920s, especially in New England. IP: Logged
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-18-2001 02:40 PM Thanks so much for your replies. Any ideas on a value for this teapot or where I could find value information? IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 10-18-2001 04:01 PM Hi, Here's a thought. Can you post a close up of the band of impressed decoration at the top of the body? There is a slim chance that this piece might have been made to match a flatware pattern. As for values, we don't give them in these forums, or at least no more than a recommendation to seek an appraiser if the piece seems good enough. Your piece is probably worth having appraised for insurance if nothing else. As for actual dollar value, eBay is still the best place to find a ballpark value. Search eBay for sterling teapots, and ignore any that aren't 20th century and American. Look for ones of similar size and weight by good manufacturers (International, Reed & Barton, Gorham, Lunt, Towle, etc.) and see what they sell for. If there aren't any comparables up for sale now, check the completed items for actual results. Be aware that eBay is a bit of a crapshoot. Some things sell for a lot more than they should, while others don't. The most likely purchaser for your pot would be a dealer, who wouldn't pay much more than half of what they would sell it for, or a person with a similar set who is missing the teapot, who might pay a lot more. Anyway, have fun with your research. If we can link the design to a flatware pattern, your pot will have greater sale value. Brent IP: Logged
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-18-2001 04:51 PM Thanks for your continuing help. Here are pics of the engraved design. IP: Logged
castrong Posts: 11 Registered: Oct 2001	posted 10-28-2001 12:22 PM There is a strong similarity to the Int'l Silver Co. pattern "Kensington", dated 1912. Could this possibly be an addition to that pattern line? IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 10-31-2001 08:28 AM You are right, the decoration does closely resemble that on the Old Kensington flatware pattern, circa 1912. Some patterns were made with matching tea services and other holloware, and others weren't. I'm afraid I don't know whether hollowware was made in the Kensington pattern. If it was, your teapot would have been part of a larger tea service, with matching coffee pot, sugar, creamer, and waste bowl, and possibly a tray and kettle. Regardless, I think it is safe to assume that the design of your pot was contemporary with the flatware pattern, even if it was not made to match. Brent IP: Logged
musebooks1 Posts: 4 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-08-2001 12:37 PM Hello. I am new here, so forgive me if this is the wrong place to post this, but I also have a piece with this phoenix mark and i thought I would ask a question. My piece is a trumpet shaped basket vase. The mark is identical to the phoenix one shown here, but it is marked with what looks like a stylized I.S. Co..then the mark..then Sterling, then 16691/2 I have no idea what these numbers mean, but did they use this mark with the IS Co sterling signature? Just trying to find out what I have here, lol. Thanks so very much! This place is fantastic! ------------------ Susie IP: Logged
musebooks1 Posts: 4 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-08-2001 01:11 PM I am now attempting to show photos..I hope this works! IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 12-08-2001 02:25 PM Welcome to the Silver Salon Forums. For a first time poster you have done an excellent job of posting photos. It is a very pretty sterling vase I.S. Co. is International Silver Co. As Brent has previously said the phoenix mark was one of the International Silver Company's trademarks. International Silver was formed in 1898 by the banding together of a large number of silver (mainly silverplate) manufacturers. Meriden was one such company. Numbers like the 16691/2 are usually the manufacturer's production/part number. You have a very beautiful sterling vase. Wash it regularly with soap and water and you will never have to polish it again, unless the water has a high sulfur content. IP: Logged
musebooks1 Posts: 4 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-08-2001 02:57 PM Thanks so much Scott! You guys are awesome! I paid an appraiser who couldn't even identify this piece, lol. I should have come here first! IP: Logged
musebooks1 Posts: 4 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-08-2001 04:43 PM Just one more question I had. Does anyone have an idea as to the age of this basket? I know it belonged to my friends great grandma, but that's really all I know. Thanks so much! IP: Logged

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