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Author Topic:   Hallmark Identification
george

Posts: 19
Registered: Oct 99

iconnumber posted 01-15-2000 02:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for george     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote

I have a large server which I believe is of French origin but not sure. There are three hallmarks. The first consists of three lines "METAL" M(?)ILLAGE" and "BLANC" the second is "5GR" and the third "SFAN" The metal does not look like plate and it tarnishes like silver. Does anyone recognize this marking or know where to research.

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Scott Martin
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Posts: 11520
Registered: Apr 93

iconnumber posted 01-16-2000 09:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Scott Martin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Photos of the marks would help.

"Metal Blanc" on French silver plate is an indication that a "white metal" was used as the base metal for plating.

I didn't have the time to dig out my French references so the following is from memory, therefore it is subject to change or correction.
French silver plate usually has at least three marks.
1.) The base metal mark. (i.e., "Metal Blanc")
2.) The silver plate (weight) mark. This is usually a number which indicates the proportional weight (in grams) of silver plate (coverage) to base metal.
3.) The maker's mark(s).

Lastly, silver plate and solid silver both tarnish. If you believe silver plate doesn't tarnish then you are most likely confusing it with a white metal (i.e., nickel silver, German silver).

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Stephen

Posts: 625
Registered: Jan 2003

iconnumber posted 04-04-2003 03:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Stephen     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Could it be METAL ALLIAGE BLANC?

What is a "server"? The 5GR sounds like a mark found on holloware rather than flatware.

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Stephen

Posts: 625
Registered: Jan 2003

iconnumber posted 06-07-2003 07:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Stephen     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
See this post.

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