posted 07-01-2008 10:24 AM            

I just looked at a paten, in a shop I frequent, yesterday, with the mark pictured below. My drawing skills leave something to be desired, but the reason I am bringing this to the Forum is two fold. The first is curiosity, the second is that I like to purchase religious silver items and get them back in circulation by donating them to the proper denominations with as much documentation as I can muster. Also, with silver prices being as high as they are, I am trying to be more selective in what I purchase for charity. I did not bring my camera, and the shop where I saw the paton is in a different city. Otherwise I would submit a photo.

My question is, who is the maker? I checked my usual source references, but came up empty handed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Marc

posted 07-01-2008 05:37 PM            

quote:

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History of Massachusetts Industries
Their Inception, Growth and Success
By Orra L. Stone
S.J. Clarke Publishing Co.
4 volumes, 1930.
pages 279-292 (without illustrations)

NORTH ATTLEBORO—CENTER OF JEWELRY PRODUCTION
...

The firm of Swift & Fisher was established and is still owned by Harry W. and Joseph H. Swift and manufactures a complete line of religious articles. It operates one of the most complete lines of Machinery for making uniform buttons in the country. Among the large list of customers on the firm’s books is that of the United States Government which places many orders with the local concern. Fifty hands are employed.

...

---

quote:

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DIRECTORY OF MANUFACTURERS: SRPEDD REGION, 2002

...

Swift & Fisher Inc
195 John L Dietsch
(508) 699-4457
Mark Fisher

...

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posted 07-01-2008 06:19 PM            

Holy Oil travel set (oil stock) includes separate compartments for the three Oils marked OI, SC and OS or Catechumens, Infirmorum and Chrism. They are used for Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination and Anointing of the Sick.

There are three kinds of holy oil in the Catholic Church [and many Anglican/Episcopal Churches]:

1) Oil of the Sick ("Oleum Infirmorum")
2) Oil of Catechumens ("Oleum Catechumenorum")
3) Sacred Chrism ("Sanctum Chrisma")

These three oils are often identified by their initials, respectively:

1) OI
2) OC (sometimes "OS")
3) SC

posted 07-01-2008 06:41 PM            

Marc, you go & save that paten please.
We had a Chalice engraved with my Dad's name in his memory & we loaned it to our church for safe keeping to be used mainly for Family happenings i.e., Communions etc.......a new priest came in &, not knowing it's history or checking to see if there was anyone in the parish with that name, appropriated it to some mission. After crying forever, I reconciled myself by knowing my Dad loved to travel, & he would be remembered by less fortunate people in poor countries which he was always giving to. That's not to say I wouldn't love to have it back.

Jersey

posted 07-01-2008 07:54 PM            

I will post a photo of the rescued paten when I pick it up next week.

Scott, when I get oil stocks, they are usually European rather than from the USA, and I have never been able to place them. I have had 2 in the past 8 years, and I ended up giving each to a good friend who needed multi sectioned pocket pillboxes.

posted 07-07-2008 10:29 PM            

Here are some photos of the rescued paten including the makers mark on the back.

Thanks to everyone that helped with the identification of the manufacturer.

Marc

posted 07-08-2008 01:25 PM            

I am a happy camper! Hope you find the right home for it!